Cooperator: Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin
Project Chief: Barbara C. Scudder
Location: Menominee Indian Reservation
Project Number: 9KM44
Period of Project: October 2003–October 2004
Problem
Information from this project is desired by the Menominee Indian Tribe to construct a baseline status assessment of the water quality of streams in their reservation. Currently, the only previous algal sampling conducted in streams of the reservation was at two sites sampled by Scudder in 1998 (Garn and others, 2001). Analyses of these algal samples also would provide information for the USGS NAWQA program for the Western Lake Michigan Drainages Study Unit.
Objective
The objectives of this project are to provide analysis of benthic algae samples and interpretation of water quality for 12 streams in the Menominee Indian Reservation as reflected by the abundance and distribution of algae in those streams. The project scope includes only the single set of algal samples collected in October 2000 for the 12 streams and would complement water quality and invertebrate information that was collected concurrently.
Approach
In October 2000, quantitative samples of benthic algae (periphyton) were collected from 12 streams of the Menominee Indian Reservation. A composite sample from woody snags in each stream was collected to allow calculation of metrics for water-quality assessment. Methods used were the same as those used to collect algae in the USGS’s National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) program (method described in Porter and others, 1993). The sampling was done in conjunction with a USGS water-quality reconnaissance of these streams that included invertebrate sampling. At the time, funding was not available for analysis and interpretation of the algae samples. The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin (MITW) has submitted a proposal to the USEPA for funding to analyze the algae samples and interpret results.
Progress (July 2003–June 2004)
Algae samples were sent to the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia (currently under contract by USGS NAWQA program) for identification and enumeration (relative count) in December 2003.
Plans (July 2002–June 2003)
Data interpretation will include a list of benthic algal taxa occurring at each stream site, selected metrics related to water quality such as the relative proportion of each algal group including diatoms, taxa richness, and data interpretation with regard to water quality and biotic integrity of sampled streams. A limited distribution report will include interpretation of data and algal species and abundance information and will include a CD-ROM with data tables. |
