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Stream Flow
First Herring Brook Watershed Initiative volunteers led by Mary Ellen Schloss and Sandra Kelly, under the guidance of Riverways Program stream ecologists Margaret Kearns and Cindy Delpapa have been studying the flow characteristics of tributaries in the First Herring Brook watershed.
This project is part of a statewide effort called River Instream Flow Stewards (RIFLS) and uses an EPA quality assurance protection plan to ensure the accuracy of data that is collected.
Flow data is important for establishing the ideal natural conditions of streams. Alteration of natural stream flow can be detrimental to water quality, aquatic life and the sustainability of water resources. This is an important project for the community since the stream system associated with Scituate's public water supply is fragile and complex. No extensive study of this kind has been undertaken in Scituate before and will be useful for local and state decision-making.
First Herring Brook Watershed Initiative volunteers led by Mary Ellen Schloss and Sandra (Sandie) Kelly, under the guidance of Riverways Program stream ecologists Margaret Kearns and Cindy Delpapa have been studying the flow characteristics of tributaries in the First Herring Brook watershed. Mary Ellen and Sandie have received special training to learn how to establish gages properly, calculate ratio curves needed to measure stream flow and train volunteers.
Two sites above and below the reservoir have been selected where numbered gages have been placed. More will be added as the project proceeds. Doctors Brook, Tan Brook, and Clapp Brook are tributaries that are being considered for gages in the near future. Each site is usually visited daily by a volunteer who records the height of the stream and submits the information on a website data form administered by the Riverways Program, part of the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Law Enforcement. Weekly photos of each site are also collected.
Data and an overview of the project, especially in respect to new DEP Water Management Act requirements to preserve stream flow were presented by Mary Ellen, Sandie and Margaret to the Scituate Board of Selectmen who responded to their efforts with great enthusiasm and encouragement.Volunteers trained by the Riverways staff include Bill Krusell, Fred SaintOurs, Linda Bornstein, Allan Mayberry-Greenberg, Dick Green, Suzanne Kavanagh, Lisa Tompson, John Arbib, Sandie Kelly, Mary Ellen Schloss, Cynde Robbins, Anna Dashawetz, Garry VanWart, Lance Van Lenten and Kristine Van Lenten. Anyone interested in participating in this exciting project or learning more about the FHBWI RIFLS program can call 5781-545-5987 or attend the next FHBWI meeting for more details.
