BEAVER CREEK STATE PARK State seeks volunteers to monitor rivers

No specific education is needed -- just an interest in the environment.
By JAYME RAMSON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will offer free workshops to anyone interested in volunteering for Ohio's Stream Quality Monitoring Project.
The next workshop is Monday at Gaston Mills in Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County. The workshop runs from 5 to 7 p.m.
Participants will receive equipment and training to observe the types of macroinvertebrates in the water, a method for monitoring changes in a stream environment and determining the quality of the water.
No specific background or education is required, and the program coordinator requests only one prerequisite.
"Just an interest in the environment, an interest in nature and preserving what we have here, keeping an eye on our rivers," said Billie Jagers, the ODNR's northeast Ohio stream quality monitoring coordinator.
Four scenic rivers
After completing the training, volunteers can monitor one of the four scenic rivers in northeast Ohio -- the Chagrin, Grand, Little Beaver Creek and Upper Cuyahoga rivers.
The workshop starts with a 45-minute presentation about the history of the program. Handouts are provided to assist participants.
From there the workshop moves to the water.
"They will take part in actual sampling," Jagers said. "They don't have to participate but usually the hands-on part of it is of interest to most people."
Jagers encourages participants to engage in the activities in the water and to dress accordingly.
Equipment
Upon completion of the workshop, interested volunteers receive equipment needed to go out on their own.
"We provide them with equipment and it is theirs to use as long as they are involved in the program," Jagers said.
To stay involved in the program, volunteers are urged to contribute three samples per year.
Currently, three people handle the four scenic rivers in five northeast Ohio counties. With a station every 10 miles, Jagers said the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves relies heavily on volunteers.
"We really need volunteers," Jagers said. "The turnover is not really high but every year we need some new volunteers."
Last year, more than 7,000 volunteers monitored about 150 stations on scenic rivers in the state.
Good condition
Rivers in northeast Ohio have presented few problems, Jagers said.
"They are in excellent condition, anywhere from high-good to excellent," she said.
Another upcoming workshop is May 29 at Camp Hi Canoe Livery in Portage County from 5 to 7 p.m.
Reservations for the workshops are encouraged but not necessary. To register or for more information, contact Billie Jagers at (330) 527-2961 or Steve Roloson in the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves at (330)527-4184.
jramson@vindy.com