Useful Videos and Publications

Related page: Nonpoint Source Training & Resource Center (with links to its longer publication and video lists)

The following resources are available through the Maine Stream Team Program or the Nonpoint Source Training Center. The Nonpoint Source Training Center (1) develops and implements training workshops; (2) develops and maintains various publications and a video lending library; and (3) acts as a clearinghouse for nonpoint source and best management practice information.

Videos
Publications / Kits

Videos

INSTRUCTIONS: The Nonpoint Source Training Center has a library of over 50 videos available for groups to borrow. Below are videos that may be of interest to stream groups. To see the complete list of videos or to borrow these videos; go to the DEP Nonpoint Source Training Center, print out the order form, complete the form, and then mail it to the NPS Training Center. Click here to access the form. You also may call the Nonpoint Source Training Center at (207) 287-7726. Otherwise, see the end of each video's description for a link to the video's distributor.

After the Rain: Urban Runoff. Oregon State University Extension Service, 1999. Explores the importance of water, the pressures our cities are placing on this precious resource, and ways that individuals can protect local drinking water supplies. The video should prove useful to anyone who is concerned about drinking water safety and improving the natural world around us. (To borrow this tape, see the instructions above. Click here to purchase directly from video's distributor. Look for item number VTP 029.)

Clean Water-Who Can Help. Cooperative Extension Service. The video covers the critical first steps to take in dealing with water quality problems, who to talk to, how to publicize, what resources are available, etc. Covers experiences of people in different regions of the state who are involved with dealing with water pollution problems in coastal and inland areas. Uses an interview format to illustrate points. 25 minutes. To borrow this tape, see the instructions above.

Organizing a Successful River Cleanup. America Outdoors and National River Cleanup Week. Covers all the steps in organizing a cleanup, from forming the initial planning committee, getting sponsors, publicity, organizing volunteers, running the cleanup itself, and finishing things afterwards. An excellent way to avoid reinventing the wheel for your river cleanup! (To borrow this tape, see the instructions above. Click here to purchase directly from video's distributor.)

Quest "Water Ways". Maine Public Television, 1995. This video provides excellent information on Maine's lakes and rivers, the present and historical threats to them, and the benefits they provide. The video discusses pollution, dams, fisheries and recreational activities using a mixture of interviews, narration and current and historical footage. 56:04 minutes. (To borrow this tape, see the instructions above.)

S.O.S. for America's Streams. Izaak Walton League of America, 1990. This video covers the concepts of point and nonpoint pollution as they affect streams. The video also discusses in detail the use of indicator aquatic species in determining the health of a stream. Actual footage and demonstration of stream sampling is used. 28 minutes. (To borrow this tape, see the instructions above.)

The Streamkeeper Video. The Adopt-A-Stream Foundation, 1996. Starring Bill Nye, "The Science Guy". 1997 Winner of Environmental Media's "Best Educational Video" award, the Streamkeeper is a great training tool. Designed in three parts to pique watershed interest on the part of students and community groups. In Part I, the Science Guy takes the viewer into a watershed and demonstrates the hydrologic cycle, how to define watershed boundaries and how streams flow. Part 2, he introduces viewers to inventorying and monitoring the physical, biological, chemical, as well as social and political characteristics of streams. In Part III, viewers learn how to take action. 26:58 minutes. (To borrow this tape, see the instructions above. Click here to purchase directly from video's distributor.)

Urban Stream Restoration: A Video Tour of Ecological Restoration Techniques. An information packed video tour of six urban stream restoration sites. Background information on how the projects were funded and organized with community involvement and the history and principles of restoration. Full of beautiful examples of restored streams with detailed instructions and graphic illustration. Includes examples of stream restoration in very urbanized areas, recreating stream shapes and meanders, creek daylighting, soil bioengineering and ecological flood control projects. The tour is led by Ann Riley, a nationally known hydrologist, stream restoration professional and executive director of the Waterways Restoration Institute in Berkley, Ca. (To borrow this tape, see the instructions above. Click here to purchase directly from video's distributor.)

We All Live Downstream. Oregon State University Cooperative Extension. Introduces the concept of nonpoint source pollution using the Tualatin River Watershed and its history as an example. Uses interviews with various individuals and experts talking about nonpoint source issues as a way to illustrate the concept. 28:30 minutes. (To borrow this tape, see the instructions above.)

Publications / Kits

Storm Drain Stenciling Kit. Remind your community members that streams are a connection between our neighborhoods and our local rivers, ponds, lakes, and ocean bays. Stormwater can carry trash, oil, animal waste, and toxic substances over the land and into storm drains. Sometimes homeowners pour excess motor oil or cleaners down into curbside drains. These drains do not go to a treatment plant, but rather they drain into local streams and eventually into rivers, ponds, lakes, and estuaries. Send a message to your community through a Storm Drain Painting Activity. For example, you could stencil a message like "Don't Dump Waste - Drains to Stream" on neighborhood storm drains to make your community aware of their connection to local streams, via the storm drains. Contact the Maine Stream Team Program for information about how to obtain a storm drain stenciling kit.