Community Science - Sedimentation Surveys

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Join our community! The Community Science Program, hosted by NC Trout Unlimited and TU’s Southern Appalachian Stream Restoration Manager Andy Brown, is designed to engage outdoor enthusiasts in collecting meaningful data to help the places they love. The idea is that through collaboration between the US Forest Service, TU, and our community, we can more efficiently and more effectively make a difference in restoring and protecting our coldwater streams.

The process starts with our Community Scientists. After attending the one-day required training, our volunteer teams spend some quality time in the Sky Island Area (an area including the Upper Tuckasegee, Upper Pigeon, Davidson River, and Mills River watersheds) collecting data via the Survey123 app for your smartphone or tablet. These surveys were created in partnership with the Forest Service and produce location-specific data that can be seen using an online mapping tool. As the data flows in, our partner group can assess where the needs for remedial intervention are heaviest and work with the US Forest Service to see that those needs are met.

The Sedimentation Surveys are designed to assess the amount of sediment entering streams. Team members will walk trails & roads to identify and catalog locations where stormwater leaves the pathway and enters the waterway. While some amount of sediment is natural, increased sedimentation from these sources negatively affects aquatic life by smothering stream-bottom habitat and decreasing water quality. Your work will help locate man-made sedimentation sources for future remediation.