A new layer has been added to the Riverwatch Map which depicts stream order. Stream order is a useful tool in watershed management because it provides a means of definition between individual tributaries based on their size and strength of flow. On our map, the colours correspond to stream order as follows:
A legend for stream order as defined on the Riverwatch Map
Stream order hierarchy was proposed by a geosciences professor named Arthur Newell Strahler in 1952. First through third order streams are considered to be “headwater streams”, and make up approximately 80% of the worlds waterways. Fourth through sixth order streams are considered to be medium tributaries, and anything with an order of seven through twelve is considered to be a river. You will notice that the only waterway in our watershed that falls in the “river” category is the Bonnechere River, which is a seventh order stream.
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An up-close look at the invasive Chinese Mystery Snail
Finding new and interesting creatures in the watershed is most often a positive and exciting experience. Sometimes however, the creatures we find turn out to be unwelcome visitors. Invasive species are any organism that is found in an area where it has not occupied historically. Most often these organisms are from far away, and arrive here as a result of human activity. The introduction of an invasive species can prove to be devastating to local food webs and ecosystems. One example of an invasive species that can be found in the Bonnechere River Watershed is the Chinese Mystery Snail (CMS).
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Workshop participants learn about the scenario process from presenter Allyson Quinlan.
On August 15th 2009, the BRWP’s Riverwatch program held the first of what is to be a series of community engagement workshops focused on drafting up scenarios that represent possible futures of the Bonnechere River Watershed may face. The event took place at the Sands on Golden Lake and featured guests who reside on or near water throughout the Bonnechere River watershed. Read more…
August 15, 2009, 9:30am — 3:30pm
At the Sands on Golden Lake,
13163 Hwy 60 Golden Lake, tel. 613 625-2525
RSVP Amanda Brown, Workshop Co-ordinator, 613-732-9870, or info
Background
The Bonnechere River Watershed Project recently received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to organize a Riverwatch program for the watershed http://www.bonnechereriver.ca/category/riverwatch/. Part of the program will see the creation of a series of workshops over the next year with local residents and businesses to co-develop alternative futures for the watershed.
Workshop outcomes will describe and illustrate the preferences and priorities of the participants in ways that will contribute to a shared vision of the watershed’s future. This vision will be communicated to government agencies and elected officials to assist in development options and opportunities.
The final scenarios will be presented in 2010 to the community and invited officials. Read more…
Large Megaloptera larva
It is no secret that our subjects of study are not considered to be appealing by most. I will admit that if you told me even a few years ago that my future job would be to handle and count all sorts of creepy crawlies that I found in a river, I would never have believed it. However if you can get past the initial heebie-jeebies that usually accompany the thought of bugs, it can open up an entirely new and fascinating world for you that you likely didn’t even realize existed Read more…
Jessica (left) and Virginia (right) preparing to sample Turners Creek.
Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jessica. I am the lead Stream Assessment Surveyor in the Riverwatch team. I am relatively new to this area, but so far I’m thoroughly enjoying the natural beauty of the Ottawa Valley, as well as meeting its friendly and interesting people. The other half of our stream sampling duo is Virginia. She is a summer student and her role is to provide support through the stream sampling season. Virginia is a dedicated and extremely valuable member of this team, and like most sidekicks she ends up doing most of the work and getting me out of all sorts of sticky situations. I would be completely lost in the field without her.
You may find us out and about throughout Renfrew County, climbing down steep banks, trudging though scrub and tall vegetation, or sitting on the side of the road counting benthic macroinvertebrates. It is not uncommon that we find ourselves in situations where we need to rely on the kindness of strangers. The cooperation and understanding of landowners is crucial to the success of our sampling efforts in the Bonnechere River Watershed.
If you happen to see us on a field day (in Virginia’s bright yellow SUV with our logo on the side), feel free to stop and say hi, check out what we’re doing, and ask any questions you may have. If we don’t have the information you’re looking for on hand, give us your contact information and we will be happy to find out the answers and get back to you!
So stay tuned to this Blog! As they unfold I will be sharing updates on the stream assessment journey as we explore the various reaches of our watershed. Interesting findings, tales of natural beauty, and strange or humourous occurrences will be reported on a regular basis.
Sincerely, The Riverwatch Team
