Characteristics and issues associated with the application of methods to an individual sannpling site within 

 the proposed monitoring framework are presented in Table 4-7 (Hughes 1993, Lazorchak etal. 1998). "Plot 

 design" refers to the approach required to obtain representative data on the fish assemblage from an individual 

 sampling site. Plot design involves considerations such as when to sample, where to sample within a 

 designated site, and how many individual samples are required from each site. Probability-based survey 

 designs result in sites being selected at random, without regard to ease of access or other aspects of location. 



Table 4-7. Features of monitoring framework and plot design 



Monitoring Framework 



Target resource is wadeable streams (Strahler order 1 through 3). 



Survey design provides synoptic information about spatial distribution and extent of condition 



in target resource populations. 



Limited utility in describing condition at an individual site due to lack of replication. 



Indicator specifically developed for use in mid-Atlantic highlands region. 



Indicator is principally retrospective; anticipatory capability is low, although some metrics 



(e.g., number of sensitive species) may provide an early warning of potential degradation. 



Plot Design 



Characteristics: 



When to sample (Index period): Once per year during the summer baseflow period. 

 Where to sample: All habitats within a defined length of stream (based on mean width). 

 Number of samples per visit: One composite sample of fish assemblage is created from 

 collections made with appropriate sampling gear. 



Issues and constraints within proposed monitoring framework: 



Site Inaccessibility: 



• Access rights to private land 



• Remote locations away from roads 



Small proportion of sampling units are potentially affected by 



• Restrictions Imposed on State and Federal Scientific Collection Permits 



• Species: threatened, endangered, economically valuable 



• Sites: Wilderness areas, parks, preserves 



• Gear types allowed at sites 



Accuracy and consistency of field identifications among field crews. 

 Control measures include: 



• Consistent training 



• Performance evaluations against experts 



• Use of experienced personnel (Federal, state and university) 



• Consistent protocol for vouchering specimens for confirmation of species 

 identifications to allow for data correction when necessary 



• Field audits 



4-14 



