Since 2000, Grey Sauble has invested considerable effort in documenting streams during summer months when flows are stressed the most. Staff, students and volunteers visit culverts and other crossings in an attempt to collect much needed data that is vital to our plan and permit reviews and other authority programs. This data is maintained in a georeferenced database and available to Municipal partners and other agencies upon request. The following are monitored on an ongoing basis:
a. Stream Crossings, Baseflow Descriptions and Fish Presence
During visits to each stream crossings, baseflows descriptions such as “good”, “some”, “trickle” and “dry” are noted. The type of crossing (culvert, bridge, etc.) and the cross-sectional area are also recorded as well as the presence of fish. This information is critical in the review of planning and permit applications, especially during winter months or when watercourses are flowing due to heavy rain event or runoff conditions.
b. Thermal Stream Classification
Measuring water temperature is one of the simplest methods for classifying fish habitat and monitoring change (good or bad) throughout our watersheds. Hand held thermometers and digital data loggers are used to record water temperatures during days when air temperature exceeds 24 C. This data is used to classify the fish habitat as “coldwater” (brook trout), “coolwater” (rainbow trout) and “warmwater” (baitfish).
Watershed Management
The Authority periodically initiates or participates in studies relating to water management issues. These include shoreline management plans, various flood and erosion control studies, municipal drain fisheries classification study, dam safety studies, hydrology studies and others.