Habitat Assessment Training: Manitowoc

May 21

This WAV training is co-hosted by University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension and local WAV Coordinator Wendy Lutzke, Woodland Dunes Nature Center.

Time: 2:30-5:00pm

Habitat Assessment trainings are designed for returning WAV volunteers to learn how to conduct a qualitative fish habitat assessment at their wadeable stream monitoring sites, closely following the method used by Wisconsin DNR biologists to assess in-stream habitat quality for fish. Prior to the training, plan to review the WAV Habitat Assessment Factsheet to get an introduction to stream habitat concepts before the training. Also take a look at the DNR Habitat Assessment Datasheet and the WAV Habitat Worksheet, which we will fill out together in the stream.

WAV stream monitoring trainings are hands-on group field trainings that are outdoors on a wadeable stream! Trainings are open to people of all abilities. No experience is necessary, but habitat assessments are recommended for returning WAV volunteers. Everyone will be invited to wade into the stream to collect data as part of the training. Habitat assessments do require volunteers to wade in the stream a significant distance up the stream (300ft – 1000ft) in order to assess seven in-stream variables. We also have roles for those who want to keep their feet dry, such as recording data on the WAV datasheet. All monitoring equipment for the training will be provided.

2:30pm               Welcome and introductions, information about the local stream (15 min)

• • • • Safety while monitoring is priority
      • When to conduct a habitat assessment
      • Submitting your data into SWIMS

2:45pm               Learn the seven variables to assess during a Habitat Assessment (30min)

3:15pm               Habitat assessment stream walk demo and practice in teams (90min)

4:45pm               Wrap up and final questions

5:00pm               All done!