1. KENTUCKY WATERSHED WATCH HIGH GRADIENT STREAM HABITAT ASSESSMENT
Standard Operating Procedure
WWSOP04000
Effective Date: ##/##/####
Briefly explain that “gradient” refers to the slope of a stream and “high gradient” streams flow out of hills and mountains. Also inform volunteers that a more detailed explanation will come later in this presentation and in the biology presentation.
In this module, we will explain how to assess stream habitat using a method developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency called the Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (RBP) for habitat. After the classroom section of the workshop, you will get an opportunity to practice your new skills in the stream environment.

2. Introduction to Habitat and Water Quality
Smaller watersheds combine
to create larger watersheds
Explain that multiple “headwater” watersheds combine to create larger, “wadeable” watersheds. Note topographic divide between the watersheds and explain that the combined effects to multiple headwater watersheds can be magnified as they combine and form wadeable watersheds.
Definition of “headwater” (<5 sq. mi.) and “wadeable” (>5 sq. mi.) will be given on slide in interpretative section of this presenation

3. Introduction to Habitat and Water Quality
Land use in watersheds affects stream habitat
More impervious cover Increased runoff
Runoff leads to erosion leads to sedimentation. This is a natural process in undisturbed watersheds.
As levels of imperviousness increase in watersheds, this process is intensified, and can lead to serious impacts to the habitat and biological communities.
Contrast 10% runoff rate from a system with natural ground cover and a 55% runoff rate from area with highly impervious cover. Mention that pollutants can runoff easily from impervious areas, and do not have the opportunity to soak into the ground get naturally filtered out.

4. Introduction to Habitat and
Water Quality
High rates and quantities of runoff can lead to increased erosion, which cause downcutting of streams (incised streams). Instream habitats are significantly impacted in these types of conditions.
Increased Erosion

5. Introduction to Habitat and
Water Quality
Incised channel
Normal channel
Stream
increased erosion
connection
greater turbidity
to floodplain
Lots of sedimentation
The top two diagrams contrast a normal stream channel (left) with an incised stream channel (left). During frequent high flow events, the normal stream channel can spill out of its normal channel and enter the floodplain (bottom diagram). When streams leave the flood channel, the energy dissipates and the sediments carried by the stream can be deposited in the floodplain (this is the natural process).
The incised channel, however, is too deep to allow storm flows to get out of the channel and lose energy and drop out sediments in the floodplain. The extra energy in the incised channel continues the process of instream erosion and downcutting (this is an unnatural situation).

6. Introduction to Habitat and Water Quality
Scientific approach to stream habitat evaluation
Habitat assessment procedures used in this guide are designed to:
be low cost
be performed quickly and easily
look at stream features individually and combine them into one measurement of stream health
Habitat assessment is another way to measure the health of a stream.
The purpose is to look at individual features that provide habitat in a particular length of a stream and determine how well they are functioning individually. These are then combined into one overall measurement of how livable the stream is for stream animals.
The selected length of the stream that is to be assessed is called a reach.

7. Macroinvertebrate Habitat
Macroinvertebrates have the same basic requirements as humans to thrive
They need:
Oxygen to breathe
Food to eat
Shelter from
predators
Clean, pollution free
environment
Habitat - The place where a population (e.g. human, animal, plant, microorganism) lives and its surroundings, both living and non-living
A habitat assessment is designed to evaluate whether or not the factors are present, in the stream or adjacent to it, to provide the stream habitat that meets these needs of the macroinvertebrates found living there

8. Instream Characteristics
Pools - The deepest areas with the slowest flow in a stream
Riffles - The areas in a stream where there is a drop in elevation that causes the
rocks on the bottom of the stream to extend above the surface of the water creating
a churning action that causes the surface of the water to look rough and bubbly
Runs - The segments of streams that flow quickly out of riffles or into pools
High Gradient
Instream Characteristics
Point the volunteers’ attention to the graphic on the slide and discuss the different depths, flow speeds, and surface appearance of each area of the high gradient stream

9. Site Selection
The Habitat Assessment is performed on the same 100 meter reach selected for the Biological Assessment…
To determine physical problems affecting the stream, a habitat assessment of each sampling site should be conducted to determine the overall quality of the habitat for macroinvertebrates. This includes the measurement and estimation of certain stream characteristics and the evaluation of the watershed for potential sources of pollution.
The results of the habitat assessment will provide information to assist with deciding whether the differences in numbers and kinds of macroinvertebrates may be due to natural variations in habitat characteristics or the result of human influence.
Reach - The selected length of a stream
Whenever possible, the site area should be at least 100 meters upstream from any road or bridge crossing to minimize its effect on stream velocity, depth, and overall habitat quality.
There should be no major tributaries discharging to the stream in the site area.
Because any changes to the stream habitat could impact the animals found there, the Habitat Assessment should be performed immediately following the Biological Assessment.
…and should be performed immediately
following the Biological Assessment.

10. Habitat Parameters Epifaunal Substrate/Available Cover Embeddedness
Velocity/Depth Regime
Sediment Deposition
Channel Flow Status
Channel Alteration
Frequency of Riffles (or bends)
Bank Stability
Vegetative Protection
Riparian Vegetative Zone Width
Habitat
Parameters
Substrate - The material that forms the bed of a water body
Channel - The physical confines of a stream (river) consisting of a bed and stream banks
Riparian area – The land along and adjacent to a stream or river
There are ten Habitat Parameters that must be observed and scored for each Habitat Assessment.
Parameters six through ten should evaluate an area from approximately 100 m upstream of (and in addition to) the original 100 m sampling reach (for a total of 200 m). This whole area should be evaluated as a composite.

11. Condition Categories and Scores
Condition Category
Condition Categories
Optimal (16-20)
Suboptimal (11-15)
Marginal (6-10)
Poor (0-5)
Scores
Range from 20-0
Highest is best
Score
Each Habitat Parameter has four Condition Categories that must be carefully read to determine which one most closely matches the observed condition in your stream.
Each Condition Category has five numbers associated with it that area scores used to represent how closely the condition of your stream matches that Condition Category.
For example, if you have observed every factor described in the Optimal Condition Category in your stream reach and each factor is clearly and completely represented, then you would give it a score of 20.

12. This measures how many potential places are available for the animals in the stream to live.
To have a healthy variety of animals living in the stream, there must be a lot of different places for these animals to live.
Many of the stream animals are very small, so they don’t need large places to live.
In an optimal range stream, the possibilities for living locations are nearly endless, and each type of living space is used by specific animals.

13. Habitat Parameters 1 What is Epifaunal Substrate? Epi - on top of
Fauna - animals
Substrate – material on the bottom
Animals that live on the substrate

14. Epifaunal Substrate
Stable habitat = consistently available conditions
Colonization potential = aged, stream-conditioned substrate materials capable of providing food and shelter for macroinvertebrates
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring

15. How deeply are the rocks on the bottom covered with sediment
Embeddedness
How deeply are the rocks on the bottom covered with sediment
Sand
Gravel
Cobble
Boulder
Sand = smaller than a BB (4.5mm)
Gravel = bigger than a BB but smaller than your fist
Cobble = bigger than your fist but smaller than your head
Boulder = bigger than your head

16. Habitat Parameters
NOTE: make observations at the heads of riffles (look for deepest and fastest flow in this area
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring
Optimal Suboptimal Marginal Poor

17. Habitat Parameters
Velocity/Depth Regime – What depth and flow speed combinations are found in stream?
This slide provides a visual representation for what is described on the following slide.
Explain that this sequence of stream morphology is something that should be seen in unaltered high gradient systems
Pool = slow-deep
Glide = slow-shallow
Riffle = fast-shallow
Run = fast-deep

18. Habitat Parameters 3 Riffle = fast-shallow Run = fast-deep
Pool = slow-deep
Glide = slow-shallow
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring

19. This is a measurement of how much sediment is being moved by the stream.
If there is a lot of dirt being washed into a stream or worn away from the streambanks and carried by the water, it will settle out at a place in the stream where the water is slowed down by a curve in the stream, a tree that has fallen into the stream, a large rock, a bridge, etc.
As more sediment begins to collect, the water is slowed down even further, so more sediment settles there. This will cause an island or point bar to form and appear above the surface of the water.
This is a natural process, but too much sediment in the stream will cause too many islands and point bars. These may even get larger and cover the entire width of the stream. They will change frequently and don’t provide good places for stream animals to live.

20. Point bars/Islands 4 Island Point Bar
Aerial example of island and point bar formation. Note recurrence of these features along this section of stream.
Point Bar

21. Habitat Parameters
Point bar = a curved ridge of sediment deposited by a stream on the inside of a bend (can be located below the surface of the water or extend above it)
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring

22. How much of stream bottom is covered by water?
Channel flow status
How much of stream bottom is covered by water?
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring
Base of lower bank = the point at which the stream bed ends and the stream bank begins

23. NOTE: = Parameters six through ten should evaluate an area from approximately 100 m upstream of (and in addition to) the original 100 m sampling reach (for a total of 200 m). This whole area should be evaluated as a composite.
Habitat Parameters
200 meter reach
original 100 meters
additional 100 meters
Be sure to explain that starting with parameter 6 and through the completion of parameter 10, the 200 meter reach is used for the assessment

24. How much of the stream has been modified?
Channel Alteration 6
How much of the stream has been modified?
Dredging = physical removal of material from stream bed, usually done with heavy equipment
Embankment = a stream bank that has been raised to hold back water, carry a roadway, etc.
Bridge abutment = a structure that supports a bridge and is built in or near the stream
Gabion = a metal cage containing natural materials (usually rock) that are stacked to support stream banks
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring

25. This is a measurement of how much of the stream provides places to live with high dissolved oxygen levels for stream animals.
The stirring, bubbling, and churning of the water in a riffle causes a lot of oxygen in the air to dissolve in the water.
Stream animals that need high levels of dissolved oxygen often live in or near riffles.
There are a lot of riffles in streams that have mountains or hills in their watersheds, so there is usually a lot of dissolved oxygen in these high gradient streams.

26. Measuring Distance Between Riffles
Frequency of Riffles
How often do riffles occur in the stream?
Riffle
37m
32m
36m
31m
35m
Measuring Distance Between Riffles
200 meter reach
To determine riffle frequency, divide the distance between riffles by the average stream width times the number of riffle to riffle segments.
This will be explained visually over the next three slides.

27. Frequency of riffles
Ratio - A mathematical relationship between two numbers (for example, can be expressed as 7:1 or 7)
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each

28. Habitat Parameters 8 through 10 are scored for each bank
Which bank is left and which is right?
Stream banks are determined while facing downstream
Parameters 8-10 are scored for each bank

29. This is a measurement of how much of the streambanks are eroding and falling into the stream.
When large areas of bare dirt, exposed roots, undercut areas, and trees falling into the stream are seen along the streambanks, it is a sign that the banks aren’t stable and too much sediment is entering the stream.
This sediment covers up and fills in the places where stream animals live.
Also, the high levels of mud and sediment in the water make it difficult for fish and other stream animals to absorb the dissolved oxygen they need and make it difficult to find food.

30. Bank Stability
Erosion = loss of soil or rock material from the stream bank due to the flow of water
Bank Failure/Sloughing = events that cause large scale displacement of soil or rock material due to support material being undercut or weakened by erosion due to saturation
“Raw” areas = stream bank locations with recently exposed soil
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each, noting that this habitat parameter is scored for each bank
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring

31. Vegetative Protection 9
How much of the stream bank is covered with native plants?
Describe the structure of herb, shrub, understory and canopy layers and some examples of the types of native species that may be found in each

32. Vegetative Protection 9
Native vegetation = the plants that have developed over time to exist in a particular geographic area without human intervention and are adapted to survive in a balance in the specific local conditions
Understory shrub = a woody plant of low height having several stems arising from the base that grows beneath the tree canopy
Non-woody macrophytes = soft-stemmed plants that are visible to the naked eye
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each, noting that this habitat parameter is scored for each bank
The definitions are for terms that may not be immediately familiar to volunteers, but are conceptually critical to scoring

33. Optimal width is around 18 meters = ~60 feet
Riparian Zone Width
How wide is the riparian zone? (each Bank)
Optimal width is around 18 meters = ~60 feet
18 meters is nearly 60 feet
Note that the 18 meters/60 feet is for each side of the stream

34. Riparian Zone Width
Riparian area = the land along and adjacent to a stream or river
Describe each condition category briefly, explaining the stream situation for each, noting that this habitat parameter is scored for each bank

35. Field Data Sheet Completion
Add the scores from parameters
1-10 on your Field Data Sheet (both sides) to determine your
Total Habitat Score
This step does not have to be completed at the stream
Condition Category numbers for each Habitat Parameter must be selected at the stream, but the addition does not have to be done at the stream (a calculator may be helpful for some) to calculate the Total Score
The slide only shows the back of the Field Data Sheet, but please note that both sides should be added

36. Field Record Completion
At the stream, record the time
and date that
you perform
your Habitat Assessment
Date and Time
Time and date must be recorded when the Habitat Assessment is performed
This is important in case of possible major habitat alteration near your assessment time/date

37. Field Record Completion
At the
stream
Land uses in the
watershed
Riparian vegetation
Instream features
Portions 1, 2 and 3 of the Field Record must be completed at the stream
Observe the area along and adjacent to your 200 meter stream reach and meters from the reach.
This should also be done for the areas meters upstream from the top of your reach and downstream from the bottom of your reach.
To accomplish this task, you may need to move on top of the stream bank to give you a relatively unobstructed view of the watershed. Check the boxes next to the uses you observe.

38. Field Record Completion
Transfer the Total Habitat Score from the Field Data Sheet to the box labeled “Total Habitat Score” on your Field Record

39. Most of our sites in Boyle County are “wadeable”
Determining Headwater/Wadeable Classification and Watershed size will be done by others.
Most of our sites in Boyle County are “wadeable”

40. Field Record Completion
Using your Total Habitat Score, Bioregion, and Headwater or Wadeable classification, determine on Table 2 the Habitat Rating for your site and record in the box labeled “Habitat Rating” on your Field Record
To determine your Habitat Rating:
Look at the table below (“Table 2. Scoring for narrative habitat ratings.”) and locate your Bioregion (initially found on your Field Record)
Within your site’s Bioregion category, determine which type of Area Scoring you will use, based on whether your watershed size (determined in prior step above) puts you into the Headwater (<5.0 mi2) or Wadeable (>5.0 mi2) category
Using your Total Habitat Score, find the range of Area Scoring into which your site fits, and look in the Rating column to see if your site rates Good, Fair or Poor. This is your Habitat Rating
Record your site rating in the “Habitat Rating” box on your Field Record
NOTE: Table 2 Area Scoring is in the process of being updated by KDOW biologists.

41. FORM SUBMITTAL
Following each Habitat Assessment event, please mail a copy of all completed forms to:
KY Water Watch Office
200 Fair Oaks Lane, 4th Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
Here the forms will be recorded in the KY Water Watch database and filed for safekeeping
If you have any questions or difficulties, please contact the KY Water Watch office at:
Talk about the importance of form submittal for good recordkeeping and let volunteers this is the best way to ensure that they will be able to access their data in the future

42. INTERPRETATION
The Watershed Watch Stream Habitat Assessment examines the condition of ten habitat parameters to make supporting conclusions about the health of the aquatic system.
The habitat assessment (area) scores used to determine the habitat rating (from Table 2 in the prior section) are specific to Kentucky, and have been determined through historic collections made by KDOW professional biologists.
Using a scale of zero to two hundred, these habitat assessment scores have been grouped based on particular scores from each of Kentucky’s four bioregions.

43. INTERPRETATION Undisturbed riparian habitat
Unique instream habitat
A good variety of riparian and stream habitats should support a diverse community of aquatic macroinvertebrates.
These macroinvertebrates have evolved to survive in the conditions provided by the regional habitat.
Diverse macroinvertebrate community

44. INTERPRETATION Disturbed riparian habitat
Altered instream habitat
Because of the unique requirements for food, shelter, etc., any changes to the habitat conditions can have significant impacts on the macroinvertebrate community.
Less diverse macroinvertebrate community

45. INTERPRETATION Headwater Wadeable Typically shallow and narrow
Direct influence by adjacent
watershed
Watershed disturbance leads
to rapid, extensive stream impacts
Headwater
Typically wider and deeper
Also influenced by multiple headwater watersheds
Watershed disturbance effects buffered/magnified by multiple headwater watersheds
Wadeable
Headwater streams are where larger wadeable streams and rivers begin. All of the small headwater streams eventually combine together to form the larger stream. Headwater streams are typically shallow and narrow with a very close connection to the land over which water is drained into them. This means that any changes or disturbances to the land in these small watersheds have more rapid and extensive impacts to the headwater streams. It also means that the habitat quality in these small watersheds is more directly connected to the quality of the stream.
In larger wadeable stream and river watersheds, the majority of the land area drains to headwater streams. Therefore, any negative impacts to streams in the many headwater watersheds can be magnified as they combine, having a negative effect on the quality of the water in the larger wadeable stream. Conversely, positive impacts from headwater watersheds combined can decrease negative impacts from disturbance made directly adjacent to wadeable streams. It is the combined effects of headwater habitat impacts and streamside (riparian) habitat that influence the water quality in wadeable streams. For this reason, there is sometimes a difference between habitat assessment scores for headwater and wadeable stream watersheds. v

46. INTERPRETATION IF Then look further to water quality results
Your habitat rating can be used with your other site information to help you draw a better picture of the health of your stream and watershed.
Because the habitat and macroinvertebrate communities are so interrelated, a habitat rating of good should support a biological score of good.
However, if you have a habitat rating of good and a poor biological score, you may need to look further and examine your water quality results to explain impacts to the macroinvertebrate community.
Then look further to water quality results
to attempt to explain the impacts

47. INTERPRETING DATA STATEWIDE
This map shows the distribution of values for these assessments across Kentucky. Higher scores, in blue, indicate better habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates.
This is an example of what can be done with data when we use standard methods for statewide collection

48. Recertification Training: Phase 2 (Biological and Habitat Assessment)
Your sampling and assessment skills are considered
current after completing WWKY-approved training
You will be notified that training updates are required
if modifications are made to WWKY methods
The updates and certification for grab samples help us as an organization stay current with the latest protocols and sampling techniques. At this point, updates are only necessary for grab sampling.

49. IMPORTANT: If you observe an outfall, pipe, or anything that might indicate illegal pollution of a waterway, contact KDOW to report complaints or concerns at during business hours.
For environmental emergencies such as spills of gas, oil or other substances, contact the Environmental Response Team at or
The only time you should contact the Environmental Response Team is for an environmental EMERGENCY. This can be equated to the environmental version of “911”.