Trib Watch is a volunteer monitoring program that seeks to broaden the baseline information on the health and water quality (WQ) of streams throughout the Millers Watershed. MRWC will conduct a number of sampling approaches, and for each; Volunteers will be needed to help collect the data. Which type of sampling interests you? Question? contact us.
TribWatch monitoring reports can be found in Resources.
2013 TW News:
MRWC partners with a UMass climate change study to begin a long term stream temperature study. In this era of concern over climate change, MRWC is pleased to announce a new long-term monitoring effort. Digital temperature loggers (provided by UMass) are being installed throughout the entire watershed. We are looking for Volunteers can also assist with monitoring. Given the importance of water temperature to aquatic life, we expect the long-term data generated to be of significant interest to people in the Millers basin and beyond. Contact us to learn more.
Stream Continuity/Culvert Survey Project: MRWC has begun to survey the condition of culverts and stream crossings across the watershed. Failing culverts restrict fish and small wildlife passage and risk road wash-outs. The ongoing survey will identify and help prioritize where crossing improvements are needed. We need volunteers this spring/summer/fall and team leaders. Contact watershed@millersriver.net about this effort.
Program components:
1. Macro-invertebrates: Bugs Volunteer screening program using modified CT DEP procedures
MRWC identifies list of target streams, target 3-6/year
Create 3-4 “Bug” teams, 3 people each, hold training
Volunteers “kick” 6 spots along stream and seek “most wanted” bugs
Volunteers do basic “family” ID at stream, save small sample
MRWC has sample professionally ID to certify species
Benefit:
Identifies if stream has good health & supports WQ sensitive bugs
2. Stream Temperatures
Phase 1: use digital/spirit thermometers, weekly checks.
Thermometers QC to NIST lab thermometer
Volunteer has specific site, follows procedure, records temp 
MRWC creates database of temp, sample April-November
Phase 2: HOBO long term temp sensor deployment
Benefit:
Begin long term baseline (climate warming & CWF review)
3. Stream Flow
Establish basic gage system at fixed point.
Weekly visit to check flow (& temp)
Volunteer has specific site, notes level on gage stick
MRWC works with RIFLS to create rating curve, creates database
Benefit
Long term baseline info
May provide early indicator of changing stream conditions
4. Stream Continuity – culverts
Survey culverts per UMass protocols and record data
Form volunteer survey teams, 2-3 people (partner w/TU) 
Hold trainings in spring
Target priority streams first
Benefit:
Identify stream sites needing continuity improvements
Bad Culvert design/conditions restrict wildlife stream migration
List of culverts needing improvements can help with planning
5. Bac-T & Chemistry – lab/probe (future)
Bac-T on main stem, recreational areas (continue existing)
Consider bac-t @ trib sites where active recreation (need funding)
Possible bac-t source tracking program (need funding)
Invest in 2-3 probe units for phys/chem parameters
Coordinate probe usage w/volunteer teams @ temp/flow sites
Use simple probe units if cost reasonable
pH, conductivity, simple wand probe
Benefit:
Baseline for phys/chem data may provide early WQ indicator
bac-t info in additional areas further tracks stream health
Millers River Watershed Council 