River Data Collection

Monitoring the Watershed to Create a Sustainable Ecosystem & Forecast Environmental Changes

The MRF is partnering with the USGS in an ongoing study to monitor 49 points along the Madison River, to collect data to help stakeholders and river managers better understand the needs and uses of the watershed. Data points gathered include temperature, depth, velocity and overall flow. We have also partnered with additional groups to place long term data loggers on some of the tributaries to create a network of river data to add information to help direct our conservation efforts. Using these monitoring tools and collecting the data will help to protect our water resources, infrastructures, and the natural environment. 

What we’ll be able to monitor

Aquatic Ecology

We’ll assess and manage the health of aquatic ecosystems with conductivity, salinity, pH, flow, and water temperature data.

Hydrology

Conduct hydrologic investigations for water level and flow data from waterways, lakes, groundwater, and other aquatic resources.

Water Quality

Accurate monitoring of water level, temperature, conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen data.

Stormwater

Water level, quality, and flow data for establishing baselines and managing stormwater.

Riparian Corridor

Water level, temperature, and rainfall data plays a key role in the conservation and restoration of these riparian corridors.

How to get involved

Interested volunteers can join the “Stream Team,” a group of individuals who monitor water conditions weekly. Flexible scheduling and accessibility accommodations are available. Typically, a conservation district employee drives the team out to 4 sites on tributaries of the Madison and volunteers take turns collecting water quality samples and flow rate measurements. For more information, contact info@madisoncd.org.

Donations can be made directly to the Water Resources Fund and will be dedicated to these efforts and the Data loggers, or Sondes, be stationed along the river at key intervals to collecting vital ongoing information. We’re looking for individuals and businesses to sponsor a Sonde or donate to this fund.

More information will be coming along with the data collected for our members to see what is happening on the river.