NY DEC Seeks Volunteers to Conduct Stream and River Monitoring

New Yorkers are being recruited to conduct water quality sampling in streams and rivers in the Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators (WAVE) Project, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced via a press release.

Training sessions for volunteers will be held in May and June.

"People who enjoy recreation on local streams or the beauty and serenity of streams have a chance to help monitor and protect these waterways," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said in the release. "I encourage individuals to volunteer as a WAVE monitor, where they can play an active, hands-on role in protecting our environment."

Citizen monitors will visit stream sites once per year, between July and September, to collect macroinvertebrates - insects and other small organisms.

If six or more of the "Most Wanted" organisms are found, a stream segment is assessed as fully supporting aquatic life. If sampling primarily finds "Least Wanted" organisms, the stream segment will be flagged for monitoring.

Trainings are scheduled: