Volunteer River Monitoring Program (VRMP)
Introduction
In 2009, the DEP launched a statewide volunteer river monitoring program (VRMP). The VRMP is a network of volunteer groups participating in quality-assured river and stream sampling. The program operates under a program-level Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP). Individual volunteer groups develop Sampling and Analysis plans to tailor the program-level QAPP to their specific project goals. As part of the program, VRMP staff provide annual trainings and certification, guidance about data quality objectives, technical support and assistance, data storage in DEP's Environmental and Geographic database (EGAD), and annual reports.
History
DEP began work to establish a statewide volunteer monitoring program in 2004 because of the lack of standardization among volunteer monitoring groups and centralized access to data. In addition, a 2007 report assessed the need for a statewide citizen-based monitoring program and demonstrated the benefits of such an initiative. (For more information, see Citizen Stewardship and Monitoring for Clean Water in Maine). 2009 will mark the first year of the VRMP.
Recent News
- Runs to Riffles. The newsletter of the Volunteer River Monitoring Program and the Maine Stream Team.
VRMP Links
Related Pages
The Volunteer River Monitoring Program is sponsored by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
