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Citizen Stream Monitoring Program (CSMP) Publications

CSMP Statewide Annual Reports

The annual reports below provide background information on the program, summarize data collected by volunteers, and discuss future directions for the program.

• 2007 CSMP Report on the Water Quality of Minnesota Streams (file size = 1 MB)
• Previous years' statewide annual reports are available on the CSMP Publications Archives page.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency thanks the Citizen Stream-Monitoring Program volunteers for their efforts in collecting water-quality data. As pioneer participants of this new program, their commitment and dedication to stream monitoring and protection are greatly appreciated.

CSMP Site-Specific Annual Reports

Individual site reports provide in-depth results for a specific CSMP site.  One report from each of the 10 major drainage basins in Minnesota is available.  Each report includes a detailed map of the site, a data summary table for the year, and a chart that shows transparency and rainfall across the entire monitoring season.  Both the summary table and chart show how data from the site compare to the state turbidity standard.  To view a report, click the drainage basin on the map below or from the list of basins to the right of the map:

Related Links

• Guide to Interpreting Transparency Readings. This document breaks transparency readings into four categories from ‘Poor’ to ‘Excellent’ as a benchmark for comparison of Citizen Stream-Monitoring Program transparency readings.
• Using Transparency Tube and Total Suspended Solids Data to Assess Stream Turbidity. This document provides details about how CSMP transparency data are used to assess streams for turbidity impairments.
• Search CSMP Data. All data available for a site can be viewed by typing in the CSMP Site Number in an easy search form.
• CSMP Statewide Annual Reports. Statewide annual reports summarize data collected from all sites for a given year.

Newsletters

CSMP Newsletter

The Stream Reader newsletter shares river-related news and relays CSMP program information. You can share your river stories with the CSMP network by submitting your ideas or photos to: Stream Reader, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155.

• Spring 2009
• Fall 2007
• Fall 2006
• Fall 2005
• Winter 2005
• Summer 2004
• Fall 2003
• Summer 2002
• Spring 2001
• Spring 2000

E-Stream Reader Online Newsletter

The E-Stream Reader online newsletter shares river related news and CSMP program information to online CSMP volunteers.  It is distributed between issues of the CSMP Stream Reader newsletter.  You can share your river stories with the CSMP network by submitting your ideas or photos to:  CSMP E-Stream Reader, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N, St. Paul, MN 55155

• Fall 2009
• April 2006
• October 2005
• June 2005
• October 2004
• May 2004
• February 2004

Help for Volunteers

Forms, Fact Sheets and Instructions

• CSMP Instruction Manual
• Using Transparency Tube and Total Suspended Solids Data to Assess Stream Turbidity
• CSMP Electronic Data Sheet: Over the years, many of you have asked to submit your T-tube readings electronically, rather than mail in your paper datasheet. The opportunity is now here! The new electronic datasheet is a Microsoft Excel document, and includes completion and submittal instructions. Please be sure to complete the Personal_and_Stream_Info, CSMP_Data_Template, and Rain_Gauge_Data_Template tabs. If you decide to use the electronic datasheet, you will not need to send in your paper datasheet. However, be sure to email your electronic datasheet to csmp@pca.state.mn.us by the required date, October 31, 2009. If you have any questions about the new electronic datasheet, please contact Miranda at 651-757-2614, 1-800-657-3864 or email csmp@pca.state.mn.us.
  • CSMP Electronic Data Sheet - Note: If you sample more than one site or rain gauge, fill out and submit one Excel document for each site or rain gauge.   - posted June 22, 2009
• CSMP Paper Datasheets: Download and print generic Citizen Stream-Monitoring Program data sheets to use in the field.
  • Site Information Data Sheet
  • Rain Data Sheet
  • 60-cm Stream Data Sheet
  • 100-cm Stream Data Sheet

Instructions for Transparency Tube Classroom Activity and Student Project

The following three documents provide guidance for conducting a classroom activity or student project using the transparency tube.  “What is a Transparency Tube” describes the tool and what water quality information it measures.  “How to Take Stream Transparency Readings” gives step by step instructions for taking a T-tube reading.  “Transparency Tube Activity” outlines how to lead a classroom activity or student project that involves collecting water samples from area rivers, taking transparency readings, and discussing results.  If you have questions, please contact the CSMP coordinator at 1-651-757-2750 (Twin Cities Metro Area) or 1-800-657-3864 (Greater Minnesota)

• What is a Transparency Tube?
• How to Take Stream Transparency Readings
• Transparency Tube Activity

Related Publications

• Volunteer Surface Water Monitoring Guide
• MPCA River Nutrient Study Report
• Selected Water Quality Characteristics of Minimally Impacted Streams from Minnesota's Seven Ecoregions. This frequently referenced report provides useful information concerning water quality in minimally impacted streams.

Training Videos

• View CSMP Training Video Clips

More Information

If you have questions about CSMP or would like to receive a printed copy of any of the above publications, contact:

Laurie Sovell
Environmental Outcomes Division, Rivers and Streams Monitoring Unit
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road N
St. Paul, MN 55155
1-800-657-3864
1-651-757-2750
laurie.sovell@pca.state.mn.us