National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA 2008-2009 & 2013-2014)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states, and tribes conduct nationwide surveys of the condition of the nation’s rivers and streams. NRSA is designed to estimate the percentage of rivers and streams that are in good, fair, or poor condition. This assessment is a collaborative effort that involves state environmental and natural resource agencies, federal agencies, universities, and other organizations. In some states, field work is conducted by staff under contract to EPA. RedFISH staff co-directed the State of Washington commitment to EPA’s National River and Stream Survey in 2008-2009 and provided technical expertise and support for assessments conducted during 2013 across Colorado and Wyoming. In 2013, RedFISH staff conducted 51 river and stream surveys that included sampling and assessment of substrate and riparian habitats, periphyton, stream morphology, water chemistry, aquatic invertebrates, fish community, fish tissue and fecal indicators.