Monitoring the River
Most of the monitoring is bio-physical and involves the study of stream water temperature data, fish counts, macro invertebrate sampling, groundwater processes and weather conditions.
Seventy temperature loggers have been deployed from the headwaters of the Middle Fork to the confluence of Big Creek. These small waterproof electronic sensors constantly record changes in water temperature. Their data is periodically collected in the field and downloaded into a laptop for later analysis back at the office, where it can be converted into a variety formats for further study and distribution to interested parties.
Mile-long reaches are being monitored every few feet by fiber optic cable to track the slightest fluctuations in stream temperature due to groundwater-surface water exchanges and ongoing restoration activities.
Additionally, the University of Oregon and Oregon State University are looking for ways to measure the total economic impact of the restoration activities taking place on the Middle Fork.
All of the IMW monitoring data will be maintained by NOAA and accessible to the public through its online data management system. Or you may contact any of the project partners for information on their portion of the project.
