Tip of the Mitt
Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program

Aquatic critters thriving in Northern Michigan: preliminary results from fall, 2005 Tip of the Mitt Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program activities.

During September of 2005, volunteer crews monitored water quality at 15 sites on 7 streams spread across northern Michigan. Volunteers collected aquatic macroinvertebrates (insects, crustaceans and other small aquatic animals) to look at community diversity and the presence of sensitive species. There is strength in diversity; i.e. the more diversity found, the healthier the stream. In addition, certain types of macroinvertebrates are more susceptible to pollution than others and thus, the presence or absence of these sensitive species also helps rate water quality.

With the help of experts, volunteers identified specimens collected in the field down to the family level. An impressive total of 65 different macroinvertebrate families were collected throughout the seven streams! The total number of macroinvertebrate families at each sample site as well as the number of families belonging to the three most sensitive insect orders (mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies) is presented in the following table:

Overall, the streams appear to be in great shape. Eastport Creek on Farrell Road had the greatest 'total family' diversity while Mullett Creek on Crump Road had the greatest 'sensitive family' diversity. Spencer Creek at McPherson Road had the lowest 'total family' diversity and tied Stover Creek at the mouth (Irish Boat Shop) for lowest 'sensitive family' diversity.

As these are the first results from the program, we will refrain from making any statements about water quality of the streams that are being monitored (to accurately assess stream health or make comparisons between sites/streams, it is recommended that at least 3 years of data be gathered). However, we did some comparisons with data collected by volunteers in the fall of 2004 as part of the long-standing Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) Adopt-A-Stream monitoring program in southeast Michigan. The number of sensitive families in the HRWC program ranged from 0 to 10, whereas our program ranged from 1 to 13. The average number of sensitive families found per site was greater in our program at 6.4 than that of the HRWC program at 4.1. Although a quick and dirty comparison, results show what one would intuitively expect - that there is greater diversity and thus, healthier aquatic ecosystems in less-developed northern Michigan than more-developed southern Michigan.

We sincerely thank all the volunteers that made this monitoring event possible and that continue to support our organization in our quest to protect and improve water quality of all waters in northern Michigan. If you have any questions regarding these results or the program in general, feel free to call Kevin at 213-347-1181, ext. 109 or send an email to kevin@watershedcouncil.org.

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