Selecting Reference Condition Sites: An Approach for Biological Criteria and Watershed Assesment

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Watershed Assessment Section

Publish Date: November 2003

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Name: Doug Drake

Job Position: Natural Resource Specialist

Telephone: 503-229-5350

E-Mail Address: Drake.Doug@DEQ.state.or.us

Description

Abstract: This paper describes the approach the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Watershed Assessment Section uses to select reference condition sites. The purpose of selecting reference condition sites is to establish an objective and systematic method for finding water bodies minimally disturbed by human activities for a given basin or region. The approach consists of using geographic information systems (GIS) and site specific information to characterize human disturbance. Selected reference sites are then used to describe "reference condition" for a specific region for the purposes of stream and watershed assessment.

Purpose: The purpose of this document is to describe the protocol used by DEQ to select reference sites for comparison with randomly selected sites.

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Status: Draft

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Format: MS Word

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Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Unknown