Streamkeepers' Report

Greetings from your TCTU Streamkeepers.  We are looking forward to continuing our stream monitoring efforts, and this will be our third year working with the WISEH2O app.
We are beginning to gear up for the 2023 stream monitoring season that begins in April and concludes in October.  With moderate winter temperatures and almost record snowfall so far this winter, this should bode well for our area streams!

TARGETED STREAMS FOR 2023
We plan to continue our targeted stream efforts at Belle Creek, Hay Creek, and Little Cannon.  the South Vermillion, and Trout Brook.  Adding one additional monitoring site on the Vermillion River is also being planned.
We are also considering the addition of Eagle Creek as one more possible monitoring site.  TCTU has already been working extensively with the DNR on Eagle Creek with some habitat work.  Even with the extensive monitoring of this site by the Metro Council since 1999 (i.e. see the link at: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water/Services/Water-Quality-Management/Stream-Monitoring-Assessment/Minnesota-River-Tributary-Streams-Assessment/Mn-River-Trib-Assessment-Reports/Eagle-Creek-Factsheet.aspx), there is value in engaging our members and in monitoring the stream for beaver dams and other water quality issues.  We will just need to beware of mountain lions/ cougars!!!  One was spotted in July of 2022 near this area!!!  Here is a report by the DNR: 
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-lifestyle/what-researchers-will-learn-next-about-the-cougar-found-in-the-twin-cities
One of the items on my bucket list this spring/ summer is to check out the boiling spring at Eagle Creek.  I’ll try to make it there before the mosquito season!!!
https://mntu.org/exploring-eagle-creek/
A SUMMARY REPORT FOR WISEH2O MONITORING
Following a success pilot project conducted by the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter in Pierce County, WI in 2019, the Trout Unlimited (TU) Angler Science Program with the WiseH2O App expanded to the entire Driftless Area in 2020-2022. The goal of the program was to engage anglers and TU Chapters to become more informed and collect actionable data on Driftless Area trout streams. Please note that some of our TCTU stream monitoring efforts are included in the report.  This 2022 Activities Report provides an overview of the program’s activities.
For the complete report, go to this link:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5bd4d7a3e666694b6fcef636/t/63d4fe825ebbb12edf74da26/1674903178629/TU+Angler+Science+Activities+Report+2022_Web.pdf
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT WISEH2O
In addition to our “targeted” Streamkeepers, we also have general Streamkeepers that are monitoring streams in a more random fashion and covering a much larger area.  Many of these readings are in the driftless areas of Minnesota and Wisconsin and beyond. 
If you are not a Streamkeeper, the WISEH2O app can be of interest to other anglers as well.  Downloading and checking the WISEH2) app is an excellent way of finding out some stream conditions in terms of temperature and streamflow by filtering results by date and clicking on the location blue tab.  Please note that the preferences, monitoring networks, and locations displayed will vary if you select TCTU or TU.  The TU network covers a much larger area and more streams.
Are you interested in becoming a “general” Streamkeeper?  Those who are interested in WiseH2O App monitoring in 2023 can take the following steps:

1. Download the WiseH2O App:  Android and iPhone versions of the WiseH2O App are available for free download at the Google Play Store and Apple Store (search WiseH2O). Instructions for downloading the WiseH2O App can be found in the WiseH20 App User Guide, located on the MobileH2O website: https://www.mobileh2o.com/mh2oapp.
   
2. Complete On-Line Training:  Detailed on-line instructions for use of the WiseH2O App can be found in the WiseH20 App User Guide and the Video Tutorial for Using the WiseH2O App, both located on the MobileH2O website: https://www.mobileh2o.com/mh2oapp.  
   

I am also available to provided training via zoom or on-stream demonstrations.  If you need additional training, please contact Jim Sauter at:  jim.sauter@twincitiestu.org

1. Obtain Water Chemistry Test Kits:  Depending on your level of interest and desired extent of involvement with water chemistry monitoring, 3 types of test kits are available. These three test kits can be ordered directly from MobileH2O, at: https://www.mobileh2o.com/shop.  A reliable thermometer for WiseH2O App temperature measurements can also be purchased at: https://www.mobileh2o.com/shop.  
   

For those that have financial need, we do have some basic WISEH2O kits available to members.  Just let me know and we can work out the details.
For more information on the TCTU Streamkeeper project, please contact Jim Sauter at:  jim.sauter@twincitiestu.org