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~ uJ a o I, docum~nting changes in ground-water qualiity and response to geologic stratigraphy. o Consistency and uniformity in data collection, analysis, and reporting over the project timeframe are essential for detecting water quality trends and associating them with working BMPs. All mo~itoring programs should include an effective and reliable quality assurance/quality control plan. , 0 Location of the water quality monitoring stations must comple- ment BM'P implementation if BMPsare to be associated with changes inwater quality. . The Michigan, Vermont, Idaho, Utah, Virginia, Pennsylvania, ' and FIQrida RCWPs have found that monitoring sub-basins within the overall project area is a more effective strategy than monitoring only at the watershed outlet. Water quality changes are mol,e likely to appear at the sub-basin level closer to land treatment areas where the effects of external factors, other pol- lution spurces, complex hydrology, and scattered BMP im- plementation are minimized. It is still important to locate monitoring stations at the watershed outlet to document chan- ges occlJrring at the watershed level and in the resource with the original water quality impairment, such as a lake. o Monitoring of biological and habitat indicators are also ap- propriate for nonpoint source control projects. Five projects (Idaho, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Vermont) have extensively monitored biological and habitat variable, to assess water quality. Idaho has measured improve- ments in stream habitat and aquatic life, as well as increased trout numbers and size in Rock Creek since the RCWP began. These rElsults have been used to stimulate public interest in the project. 9 Electrofishlng is a technique used to ., obtain a direct measl.ire off/shery qualify. . , ~i, , , "_! . ; ~ ,f " .,<~ ,'j ,'. - ,:!' -& -ii 01 , I :-1 :1 -', :;~ i :;i J ,:) ',1 ;, , i A , .j: j -,~' - -;; ,~i .{