Conservation

What is the Adopt-A-Stream program?

Our home waters offer us a place of comfort and familiarity. They are the local places we go to fish and unwind from life’s hectic pace. They are also places we feel attached to and protective of. The Adopt-a-Stream program provides a way for FFI clubs to watch over their local waters. By adopting a local stretch of water, clubs can foster a sense of ownership amongst their members by holding regular stream clean-ups, conducting water quality monitoring or biological monitoring. With the sense of ownership created through these activities comes a sense of pride and stewardship over our home waters.

How can my club get involved?

1. Select a site and then choose which activities your club would like to fulfill from the following:

• Clean-ups- Clubs can conduct regular stream clean-ups to remove waste from in the water and around the site. A schedule should be set for clean-ups on either an annual or semi-annual basis.
• Bio-monitoring- The water quality of a site can be assessed using aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling. Club members can sample site substrate for the presence of key indicator insect species on a scheduled monthly or quarterly basis. Proper taxonomic training should be obtained for the participating members.
• Water Quality Monitoring- Chemical water quality testing can be done assessing pH, phosphates, nitrates, dissolved oxygen and temperature. This testing can be done in conjuncture with state approved monitoring programs such as Missouri’s Stream Team and Stream Watch. Water quality testing frequency guidelines will be established, (monthly, quarterly), and proper records kept to the satisfaction of the state agency.
• Weed Pulls- The riparian health of an adopted site can be maintained by conducting annual noxious weed pulls. Removing noxious weeds from a site can prevent run-off, increase native vegetation growth and prevent bank erosion. An annual schedule for weed pulls should be set allowing plants to be pulled before their flowering and seeding season. More information about local noxious weeds can be obtained through county extension offices.
• Restoration- Returning a damaged or altered stream to it’s original pristine state can be accomplished by any number of activities including but not limited to; bank stabilization, lunker structure creation and re-channelization (to mimic a natural channel). An annual or semi-annual schedule for restoration efforts must be set.

2. When the site and activity have been selected, the appropriate land owner (whether it be public or private) of the site must be contacted to ensure the program is compatible with the property and owner.

3. Gain the acceptance and approval of your FFI club membership and leadership.
4. Get your state fisheries management agency involved. Coordinate your efforts with the agency to ensure your project provides the best benefit for all involved.
5. Arrange for a sign to be erected at the site to denote your club’s involvement.
6. Contact the local media and encourage coverage of the project.
7. Inform the FFI’s National Office about your efforts. You may qualify for the Conservation Small Grants Program. Click here for more information.