Stream Monitoring News:
In October 2009 GCA received notice from DEQ about our grant request for $2000. We did receive a grant, but only for $1000 because of funding cuts.
The fundamental mission of the Goose Creek Association is to protect and preserve the natural resources of the Goose Creek Watershed. In order to measure progress, the quality of Goose Creek water is regularly tested by volunteers. GCA volunteers monitor 22 stations: 16 are in Fauquier County and 6 are in Loudoun County.
Each station has its own individual monitor, trained and certified by the GCA Stream Monitor Leader Hazle Edens, Stacey Brown and or Jay Gilliam of Virginia Save Our Streams (VASOS) respectively. The GCA monitors are re-certified every two years to maintain quality assurance. Monitors have a group of volunteers to help them made up of family and friends, and other members of the Goose Creek Association, including staff members of Dolphin Quest.
Macroinvertebrate testing reflects the health of the stream by taking an inventory of the bugs that live in the delicate stream environment. Data is obtained four times a year, using the Virginia Save Our Streams "Rocky Bottom Method." After collection, the data is sent to VASOS, Virginia Department Of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), John Marshall Soil, Water, and Conservation District to be rated. VADEQ requested using our data as 3rd level data in 2009 and GCA approved the request.
Chemical testing helps evaluate the stream environment. E-coli testing monitors the level of fecal coliform which washes into the creek from nearby livestock, wildlife, and in some cases failed human septic systems. The e-coli testing using the coliscan method is done once a month year-round. This part of the monitoring is just beginning its second year and data is still inconclusive. Because changes occur frequently and rapidly, it can take several years of data to demonstrate a pattern.
A survey of the habitat surrounding each of our stations is also taken during monitoring. Some of our monitors took the new VA SOS Habitat Survey course this past May and the remainder will take the course this coming May 2007. Once the course for The New Habitat Survey has been completed the survey is done annually, preferably in May, with up-dates as necessary.
CLICK HERE to view our Stream Monitoring Map
PEC/GCA WATERSHED ASSESSMENT REPORT
In 2002, the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and the Goose Creek Association (GCA) partnered in hiring the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP), a non profit agency who evaluates watersheds. The primary purpose is to develop a watershed assessment of the 380 square mile Goose Creek watershed. A watershed assessment determines the present status of the stream environment and the potential for future degradation or preservation. Environmental factors, such as degree of impervious cover, sedimentation potential from agriculture or development, impacts of wildlife and domestic livestock on stream banks, and many other impacts explained and illustrated in the following literature, help in determining the likelihood of continued stream quality.
A survey of the habitat surrounding each of our stations is also taken annually during the month of May. All our monitors take the VA SOS Habitat Survey course. Once the course for the Habitat Survey has been completed the survey is done annually with up-dates as necessary.
Goose Greek Watershed Assessment Summary (.pdf)