In collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly known as the Soil Conservation District, we developed a Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) that is designed for use by NRCS field staff (who work with agricultural land-owners in a non-regulatory capacity) to serve as an introductory screening-level assessment method.  SVAP is currently being used by NRCS staff in all 50 states.

This assessment protocol provides a basic level of stream health evaluation.  It can be successfully applied by conservationists with little biological or hydrological training.  It is intended to be conducted with the landowner and incorporates talking points for the conservationist to use during the assessment for educational purposes.  Least impacted reference sites provide a standard of comparison.  The use of reference sites is variable depending on how the state chooses to implement the protocol.  The state may modify the protocol based on a system of stream classification and a series of reference sites.  Instructions for modifying the protocol are provided.  This protocol is the first level in a four part hierarchy of assessment protocols.  More sophisticated assessment methods may be found in the Stream Ecological Assessment Field Handbook.  The field handbook also conatins background information on basic stream ecology.  Information on chemical monitoring of surface water and groundwater may be found in the National Handbook of Water Quality Monitoring.

Newton, B., C.M. Pringle, and R. Bjorkland.  1999.  Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP).  Part 601: In National Water Quality Handbook.  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
 
 

The course covers three main topics:  (a) basic stream ecology;  (b) how to use SVAP;  and (c) how to conduct a simple biological assessment using benthic organisms.  It is designed in modules to allow for use in a variety of different contexts and includes an instructor's manual, a student workbook,  about 300 slides, a videotape, a macroinvertebrate training kit, and other materials.  We pilot tested this training course during the spring of 1998 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  These training materials were distributed to NRCS offices in all 50 states.

For more information about SVAP and/or the training course, contact Bruce Newton: (Bnewton@storm.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
National Water and Climate Center
101 S. W. Main St., Suite 1600
Portland Oregon 97204