Cooperator Meeting for the Data Program Operatted by the U.S. Geological Survey June 26 2003

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Streamgages— Measuring the Pulse of our Nation's Rivers Good Planning & Good Decisions Depend on Good Information Families, communities, and businesses need information about rivers in their areas to help them make good decisions. Antenna GAGEHGUSE— I I Electronic Recorder gage eight) U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey • County or city planners need to know what area should be zoned as flood plain so that families and businesses will not build in locations that are vulnerable to floods. • Families and businesses need warnings of impending floods to help them decide about evacuating and to decide about moving valuables (heirlooms, furniture, cars, boats, appli- ances) out of harm's way. • Communities need information to plan for their future water supplies. • Communities and farmers need information about river conditions to help them develop strategies to help them through a drought. • State and county highway departments need information so they can design adequate bridges, culverts, and roadways that will function safely during floods. • Watershed organizations and regulatory agencies need river - flow information (along with water - quality data) to develop cost - effective plans to improve and protect water quality. • Families planning to canoe, kayak, or fish need information to avoid unsafe river conditions and to preclude costly trips to remote river locations when conditions are not suitable for recreation. Information at Risk The streamgaging network is operated as a partnership between the USGS and over 800 Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies. This partnership has great value but has been showing significant instability in recent years. There is widespread agreement among stakeholders that a new shared plan is needed to reverse the loss of Streamgages and to provide for a stable and modern system for the future. USGS Information Sheet April 2001