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September 19, 2003

Purdue and IDNR to hold stream monitoring workshops

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will sponsor stream monitoring workshops at three locations across Indiana as part of the Hoosier Riverwatch program.

"The training is for anyone interested in learning about water quality and gaining hands-on experience in monitoring rivers and streams," said Lyn Hartman, Hoosier Riverwatch coordinator.

A level one and two workshop will be held at each location. The dates and locations include:

• Sept. 25. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Level one training, Elkhart County Conservation Club in Elkhart, Ind. From Old U.S. 21, turn south onto Sheridan Street and east on Britt Avenue until the road dead ends at club.

• Sept. 26. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Level two training, Elkhart County Conservation Club in Elkhart, Ind.

• Oct. 2. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Level one training, Brook Conservation Club in Brook, Ind. From State Road 16 turn onto South Highway Street, which becomes Lake Kenoyer Road. The club is on the right side of the road.

• Oct. 3. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Level two training, Brook Conservation Club in Brook, Ind.

• Oct. 9. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Level one training, Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis.

• Oct. 10. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Level two training, Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis.

The level one training will provide a general overview of water quality issues and an introduction to monitoring the health of rivers and streams through physical, chemical and biological testing. Upon completion, participants can choose to collect data for the statewide volunteer stream-monitoring database on the Web .

Participants in level two training will receive a complete review of level one, get hands-on practice using the Hatch Stream Survey chemical testing kit, learn advanced water quality monitoring techniques and train in quality assurance procedures to ensure correct data collection. To be eligible for level two training, the level one workshop must first be completed.

"These local stream monitoring volunteers will take home knowledge and commitment that they will pass on to others who will, in turn, bring more people into the circle of those committed to protecting and improving our resources," said John Goss, director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Training is free, but reservations need to be made because of limited space. To register, contact the following people:

• Sept. 25-26. Nancy Brown of the Elkhart County Soil and Water Conservation District, (574) 533-4383, Ext. 3.

• Oct. 2-3. Carla Orlandi of the Newton County Soil and Water Conservation District, carla-orlandi@iaswcd.org, (219) 285-6802, Ext. 3.

• Oct. 9-10. Marie Collins at the Natural Resources Education Center, nrec@dnr.state.in.us, (317) 562-1338.

To learn more about the Riverwatch program, visit the web.

Writer: Michelle Betz, (765) 494-8402, agnews-stories@purdue.edu

Source: Lyn Hartman, (317) 541-0617, riverinfo@dnr.state.in.us

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/


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