Stream Corridor Assessment Training

Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a two day training on the Stream Corridor Assessment protocols. 

The Stream Corridor Assessment (SCA) survey is designed to provide a method which can be used to both rapidly assess the general physical condition of a stream system and identify the location of a variety of common environmental problems within the stream’s corridors. It is intended to be a tool that can help resource managers identify not only the location of environmental problems but also restoration opportunities that exist within a drainage network.

The SCA survey has four main objectives:

1. To provide a list of observable environmental problems present within a stream system and along its riparian corridor.
2. To provide sufficient information on each problem so that a preliminary determination of both the severity and correctability of a problem can be made.
3. To provide sufficient information so that restoration efforts can be prioritized.
4. To provide a quick assessment of both in-and near-stream habitat conditions so that comparative assessments can be made of the condition of different stream segments.

It is important to note that SCA is not intended to be a detailed scientific survey of a stream system nor will it replace the more standard chemical and biological surveys. Instead SCA is intended to provide a rapid method of examining an entire drainage network so future monitoring, management and/or conservation efforts can be better targeted.

This virtual training will familiarize a wide audience with general stream ecology, the Stream Corridor Assessment protocols, survey logistics, and data collection. The training will also cover updates to the data collection methods, including current low-cost technology.

You can check out a draft agenda here: Stream Corridor Assessment Training Agenda.pdf

The original Stream Corridor Assessment Survey Protocols can be found here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/streams/Publications/SCAProtocols.pdf