The Salmonfly Project & Native Fish Society: Deschutes River Aquatic Insect and Habitat Monitoring Program
Goal: 1) Identify the current status and recent trends of aquatic insect populations on the lower Deschutes River and 2) Evaluate best methods for surveying insects on large rivers like the Deschutes, going-forward . Ultimately, the aim of the project is to help local managers and stakeholders identify at-risk insects and potential threats to be mitigated.
Basic methods: We'll be surveying aquatic insects at 8 historical sampling sites from Warm Springs Boat Ramp to Mack's Canyon, which were last surveyed from 1999-2001 and 2013-2015. Insects will be sampled with the same methods and at the same time of year as historical surveys to allow comparisons between sampling years, along with two additional sampling methods. Differences in results among different sampling methods will be used to identify the best survey protocols for future monitoring years.
Dates: Oct 14-25th
Volunteers: Your help is needed! Two full-day volunteers are required each day to complete field surveys. No previous scientific experience is required - only the ability to wade confidently in knee-deep water while carrying nets/supplies. If you volunteer, you'll help SFP staff sample aquatic insects and will learn about aquatic insect ecology and identification! Volunteers are needed each weekday of the project (Oct 14-25th) from 9am-5pm. A minimum volunteer-time of 4 hours is required to allow sufficient time for training, but volunteers are asked to stay for an entire 8-hour day, if possible, because it makes sampling much more efficient. Please bring your own waders, boots, and other basic supplies (e.g., food, water, warm clothes). If you're interested, please sign up at this link. Reach out to The Salmonfly Project with questions at conservation@salmonflyproject.org. Their project lead is Jackson Birrell - 413-446-3669.
Tentative Full Schedule (exact locations may vary if sampling takes more or less time than planned)
14 Oct - Mack's Canyon
15 Oct - Mack's Canyon
16 Oct - Jones Canyon
17 Oct - Sandy Beach
18 Oct - Harpham Flats
19 Oct - Warm Springs River
20 Oct - OFF
21 Oct - Warm Springs Crossing
22 Oct - Fornication Island
23 Oct - Rod & Gun Club (behind locked gate, hike from North Junction)
24 Oct - Buffer Day
25 Oct - Buffer Day
