Presentation by Earl Lynch, DCWA

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Presentation by Earl Lynch, DCWA with the
assistance of the Western Pennsylvania
Conservancy and Pine Creek Watershed
Association. Please contact us
at www.deercreekwatershed.org Info_at_deercreekwate
rshed.org
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Visual Assessment Overview
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What is a Visual Assessment?

• The Visual Stream Assessment is one of the first
  steps in characterizing the overall condition of
  the watershed. The visual assessment provides a
  numerical tool for evaluating significant
  features of the stream and its immediate
  surroundings. We will be using a standardized
  form published by the USDA to ensure that our
  data is consistent with data collected by other
  groups across the state and country.

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Specific Results

• The Visual Assessment will yield information on
• AMD locations
• Areas of high sediment deposition
• Points sources of pollution
• Stream sections which can be reclassified as high
  value
• Scoured stream banks
• Location of dams and other impediments
• Tributaries that will require water testing

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Get to Know Your Watershed
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Land Use

• CommercialOffices and Factories
• ResidentialHigh and low density housing
• AgricultureFarming/Pasture, Cemeteries, Golf
  Courses, Sports Fields and other Open grassed
  areas
• ForestedUndeveloped woodlands
• Major HighwaysFour lane
• RetailStand alone and Strip Malls

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What else to look for

• Agriculture Impacts
• Severe Erosion
• Storm Water Runoff Pipes Culverts
• Poor Forestry Practices
• Sewage Impacts (odor color)
• Illegal Garbage Dumps

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AMD
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Erosion
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Agriculture
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Poor Forestry
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Embeddedness
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Visual Assessment The Particulars
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When to Assess?

• Dependent upon what you are looking for
• Spring, Summer, Fall optimal times
• Vegetation present
• Warmer temperatures
• Great time of year to be outside
• Winter
• Point source pollution
• Culvert pipes
• Bank erosion

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What You Need

• Landowner Permission
• Maps
• Information Regarding Watershed
• USDA Visual Assessment Protocol
• Pen/pencil
• GPS (Camera optional)
• Boots/waders (optional)
• Thermometer

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Ideal Channel

• Vegetation to active channel sloping vegetated
  banks extending to flood plain

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