Streams Monitoring in the Sonoran Desert and Southern Plains Networks

Because of their importance, streams were chosen as a focus for monitoring in the National Park Service (NPS) Sonoran Desert and Southern Plains networks. Portions of several major river systems (or their tributaries) are found within many units of both networks. Long-term monitoring of streams supports a comprehensive understanding of aquatic and riparian ecosystems and integrates 10 “vital signs,” or ecological indicators: stream channel morphology; riparian vegetation community dynamics, including exotic plant species status & trends and early detection; core water quality parameters, including nutrient dynamics, microorganisms, and pollutant metals; surface water quantity; and aquatic macroinvertebrates. In addition, fish will be monitored as funding is available.