SMP Nuts and Bolts

Assess Conditions and Identify Risks

Assess Biological, Hydrological, and Geomorphological Conditions

Watershed health can be evaluated by assessing several specific parameters, including watershed-scale and reach-scale properties and functions. To be eligible for grant funding from CWCB’s Watershed Restoration Program, assessments must include (at a minimum) aquatic biota, flow regime, and fluvial geomorphology at a reach scale.

Depending on the purpose and scope determined by local stakeholders, assessments employ different methodologies to evaluate stream health. The comprehensiveness of the data varies depending on the core questions addressed by the SMP, ranging from less precise (general, often anecdotal or third-party information) to more precise (data-driven, quantitative metrics).

Click on the table below to see a description and examples of Level 1, 2, and 3 data types.

Description: Coarse level of investigation designed to provide a general estimation of ecological integrity

Example Methodologies:

  • anecdotal evidence, direct observations
  • review of published literature and reports focused on streamflow, erosion, water quality, and aquatic life
  • desktop assessments of aerial imagery
  • “windshield” surveys

Description: Scientists and other experts use best professional judgement to assess qualitative observations and data gathered during field visits

Example Methodologies:

  • rapid (1-2 day) functional condition assessments of stream reaches conducted by a team of geomorphologists, hydrologists, engineers, and/or riparian ecologists

Description: Quantitative methodologies that use data to generate numerical or statistical metrics of ecological condition

Example Methodologies:

  • 1D/2D hydraulic modeling
  • biological sampling
  • riparian transects
  • aquatic habitat surveying
  • fluvial hazard zone mapping

River Health Assessments

River health assessments may also include additional important watershed-scale components for a more holistic, watershed-wide evaluation. Fluvial Hazard Zone (FHZ) mapping and forest health are being considered in an increasing number of SMP/IWMPs.

Colorado SMP Library