In the summer of 2000, the PRWC inaugurated a volunteer program to survey the rivers and tributaries that make up the Pomperaug Watershed. The objectives of the Volunteer Streamwalk Program (VSWP) are primarily

• to document the physical characteristics of the rivers and streams in the Pomperaug Watershed and
• to involve the community in river conservation stewardship.

Additionally, this program can:

• assist conservation organizations and land use decision makers to obtain restoration grants through the use of locally specific environmental data;
• provide regional and local planning initiatives information to target both remediation and conservation efforts for water resources;
• provide municipalities involved in the CT Department of Environmental Protection’s Phase II Stormwater Management program with information to help fulfill their reporting requirements for this regulatory program;
• provide education and outreach programs and materials.

Volunteer Training: Volunteers receive a basic course in stream ecology, morphology, water quality, non-point source pollution, and the relationship between our community and its rivers and streams. As of June 2005, 99 volunteers have been trained representing all of our watershed towns.

Volunteers range from high school age to adults.

Data Collection: The information collected by Streamwalk Volunteers includes water depth and width, vegetation and land use types along the banks, stream bottom composition, and noticeable ‘impairments’ such as excessive algae growth, sedimentation, erosion, and the presence of stormwater pipes. You can view our survey form for more details. Some volunteers are also taking photographs. All of the survey information is maintained in The PRWC’s Geographic Information System (GIS).

Once all basins have been surveyed, The PRWC plans biannual updates. Because the information collected is really a “snap shot” in time of the river system, areas of concern may require more in depth assessment by professionals and/or frequent monitoring especially after significant storm/flooding events.

Results: PRWC has recruited VSWP volunteers from all watershed towns. By 2002, 53 volunteers from 8 towns had surveyed 30 local watersheds. 119 “impairments” and 50 erosion sites were identified, a GIS database was created and erosion sites were ranked to support stream restoration programs by The Northwest Conservation District and others.

In 2003, 24 additional volunteers were trained and assessed 23 additional local watersheds. As of the spring of 2004, 80% of the watershed had been covered by the Streamwalk Survey.

A summary of the survey data collected from 2000-2003 can be viewed through an interactive map or by reading our first summary report.

View our interactive Streamwalk Survey Map

Read our first Streamwalk Survey Summary Report

This program has been funded in part by The Connecticut Community Foundation.