Purpose:

To help preserve and protect Wisconsin's over 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers, it is important to first understand how they function and then take note of their status. The Citizen-based Water Monitoring Network of Wisconsin offers citizens multiple opportunities to be part of this learning process and to monitor our state's waters. The Citizen-based Water Monitoring Network includes three levels to accommodate the varied interests and time availability of citizens. Everyone initiates participation in Level 1 (except under special circumstances). After that, citizens can choose to participate in Level 2 or Level 3 projects.

Subject Area(s):

Rivers/Streams
Other - Invertebrates
Exotics/Invasive Species
Native Plants
Amphibians/Reptiles
Fish
Birds
Lakes/Ponds/Reservoirs
Groundwater

Data Type(s) Collected:

Habitat Conditions and/or Availability
GIS mapping/monitoring
Habitat Requirements
Physical parameters
Population Demographics
Population Health
Population Trends
Threats to Populations
Collectors and users
Distribution and Range
Chemical parameters
Biological parameters

# of Volunteers:

varies

Hours/Volunteer/Year:

varies

Volunteer Services:

Group website
Volunteer monitor newsletter
Training sessions for new volunteers
Staff consultation with individual monitors
Regular meetings throughout the year
Other publications
Online training
Links to websites of other programs
Email list or list-serve for volunteers
Data analysis and reporting
Conferences
Advanced training sessions for experienced monitors

Accepting New Volunteers?

Yes