State, Regional Board staff trained on how to use stream bioassessment data

Staff from the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards learned how to use bioassessment tools and methods to help manage stream health during a one-day workshop in September co-developed by SCCWRP – the fourth in an ongoing series of periodic training opportunities targeted at those who review stream bioassessment data.

The “Bioassessment 101” workshop, which was held in Sacramento and attracted about 25 individuals, was intended to help familiarize newer staff with bioassessment methods. End-user interest in bioassessment has been growing as bioassessment is increasingly integrated into decision-making about how to protect and restore the health of wadeable streams statewide.

The workshop was aimed at audiences who review stream bioassessment data and thus could benefit from the insights provided by the data, as opposed to those who generate the data. It was co-presented by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Future Bioassessment 101 workshops are expected to be held on an annual basis.

Separate training workshops designed specifically for bioassessment practitioners also have been held, and future ones are being planned. To request to participate in future bioassessment trainings, contact Dr. Raphael Mazor.