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ODFW has asked BVFF to help them do a "Macroinvertebrate count" on the Owyhee River with the goal of monitoring how water quality and temperatures impact the insect population on the river as you go downstream. Skwala Stoneflies are an important part of the bug sample and since they are about to hatch we need to do our collection ASAP.
We will be following the EPA's "Streamside Biosurvey" protocol (link below). This is the first time we have done this, so we don't know how long it will take. We plan to do one 4 hour session and then schedule a follow-on session if needed, perhaps after the Indianhead Cleanup on Saturday March 26th.
We want to do our bug sampling mid-week to avoid disturbing the water where anglers are fishing. The first sampling date will be Wednesday, March 16th. We will meet at the Owyhee River at 10am and sample bugs through 2pm. Participants can (and should!) stay and fish the river after that. (The Skwala hatch is expected to be starting as well as some BWOs and midges.)
Participants need to be prepared to wade the river. A wading staff is encouraged but not required. Bring your own water and lunch.
LOCATION: Lower Owyhee River. Meet at Concrete Bridge just upstream from the Owyhee River Ranch. (GPS Location 43.70231, -117.19953). If you are running late, we will be seining the riffle just above the bridge--come find us.
TIME: Meet at 10AM Mountain Daylight Time. Finish at 2PM.
Directions: Navigate to the Owyhee River Ranch, 1880 Owyhee Lake Rd, Nyssa, OR. Plan for a solid 1.5 hours from Boise.
Macroinvertebrates and Habitat Survey Information
https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/vms40.html
https://archive.epa.gov/water/archive/web/html/vms42.html
