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 various 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 “Mad Squad,” a group of volunteers who monitor water conditions regularly. For more information, contact info@madisoncd.org.

Donations can be made directly to our Science Fund. These funds will be dedicated to this study and the purchase of monitoring sondes. Sondes will be stationed along the river at key intervals to collect vital data. We’re looking for individuals and businesses to sponsor a sonde or donate to this fund.

The information collected will be availabe to the public.