Biosurvey Equipment
The Certified Volunteer Monitoring Group (CVMG) hereby assumes responsibility for the safety and care of all
equipment entrusted to, and agrees to transport, store and use such equipment in a prudent and reasonable
manner; to take such action as necessary to reduce the possibility of damage, to, of or from such equipment.
Save Our Streams will replace damaged equipment when needed. Note: Replacement mat not be
exact but it will serve the original purpose.
Biosurvey kits will be supplied as needed based upon the size of the group, equipment availability and the
goals and objectives of the monitoring program. In most cases, one kit is provided to each CVMG; however,
additional kits may be provided for large groups that plan to use several teams, or plan to monitor numerous
streams within its watershed. The equipment provided depends upon supplies available and in some cases
additional or alternate equipment is distributed at the discretion of the coordinator. The introductory kit
is provided at no charge; however, charges may apply if additional kits are provided. The coordinator can
assist in developing an equipment list and can provide recommendations regarding equipment purchases.
The coordinator will arrange for equipment delivery and will acknowledge successful certification by
evaluating the certification exam and mailing the certificate to the CVMG. The equipment may be delivered by
mail or in person at the first survey. The coordinator will make a reasonable effort to assist with initial
surveys by providing on site guidance. This type of assistance should be coordinated well in advance of the
planned date for the survey(s).
Station Location and Names
The location of the monitoring stations must be accurately described. The description should include
latitude and longitude coordinates and very specific directions to the site. A topographic map with the
locations indicated may be submitted instead of written descriptions. Monitoring stations should be given a
name specific to that station. This name has no specific format, but should be flexible enough as to allow
the addition of future stations. For example, a station called BC1 starts at the mouth of Back Creek.
Additional stations could be added further upstream using a letter and number sequences such as BC2, BC3,
etc.
The coordinator reserves the right to share information from the survey with any other state, federal or
private entity. The program coordinator is responsible for biennial reports and will periodically highlight
the efforts of CVMG through newsletters, press releases and/or other outlets. The coordinator can assist the
CVMG with its submission of data to state or federal programs, or assist with project monitoring. In most
cases, these programs have more stringent requirements regarding data quality. An approved quality assurance
project plan (QAPP) is a must.
If your organization decides to conduct surveys that include aquatic collections, you must apply for and
receive a Scientific Collection Permit from the WVDNR. Attach a copy of the permit when you submit your MOU.