Stream Monitoring Database
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) each collect similar information on streams in Minnesota such as water quality, fish species presence, or the quality of fish habitat. For example, the DNR might sample stream fish to assess whether the agency’s management activities such as fishing regulations or stocking are creating good angling opportunities for the public, while MPCA might sample fish to assess whether a stream meets regulatory standards for a healthy fish community. Even though the reasons for collecting information between agencies may differ, the information collected by each agency could help the other to better fulfill its mission without needing collect it themselves. However, at present the MPCA has its own database for storing stream information, while the DNR has no central location to store information. This project will develop a database that will store DNR's stream data, and will use a format that facilitates sharing of stream information between the agencies. A further goal is to increase public access to information by eventually developing of a webpage similar to the DNR’s Lakefinder that will allow easy access to stream information from multiple agencies. Because each program often has different reasons or methods for collecting and information on streams, the project must account for each program’s needs while maintaining a structure where data can be shared. When complete, the new database and data sharing capability will allow for better access to available data on streams that will better inform stream and watershed management decisions by the DNR, the MPCA, other potential partners, and the public.
State agencies collect stream monitoring data for a variety of different purposes in carrying out their mission. However, monitoring data held by each program that could be used by others to better manage streams is located in multiple places that are not easily accessible from outside the agency or program that collected the data, making it difficult to know what data is available and how to access it. A common format and means for information sharing that serves multiple programs will help to ensure more efficient and effective use of stream data by making information readily available to more potential users.
$675000 the first year and $675000
the second year are for applied research
and tools including watershed hydrologic
modeling; maintaining and updating spatial
data for watershed boundaries streams and
water bodies and integrating high-resolution
digital elevation data; assessing effectiveness
of forestry best management practices for
water quality; and developing an ecological
monitoring database.
In FY15 the DNR will continue cooperative work with PCA to create the IBI scoring tool that will facilitate data sharing between the agencies with a useable tool planned for completion by the end of FY15. PCA will be exploring their options for future storage of aquatic life data from streams and the DNR will continue to be involved in that process so that the potential for data sharing between agencies can be enhanced. We will continue work on our database structure and test-versions of user interface application screens with a version ready for field testing by spring of 2015 that allows for entry of all components of the MN DNR Stream Survey Manual.
In FY15 the DNR started using the new database for storing stream fish data. We worked on creating the sections for geomorphology and connectivity information and added features to store attachments (photos maps etc.) in the database. We also started work on a tool to calculate stream Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) scores.
$675000 the first year and $675000
the second year are for applied research
and tools including watershed hydrologic
modeling; maintaining and updating spatial
data for watershed boundaries streams and
water bodies and integrating high-resolution
digital elevation data; assessing effectiveness
of forestry best management practices for
water quality; and developing an ecological
monitoring database.
In FY14 DNR will work with partners to create the physical bio-monitoring database tables and prototype user interface application screens for entering data using the business object model created in FY13 and they will develop a prototype ready for testing by spring of 2014 that allows for entry of all components of the MN DNR Stream Survey Manual.
In FY14 progress was slower than expected due to other information technology projects competing for the time of key staff so that a prototype database is not yet available for testing. Progress was made in modifying the DNR’s existing Survey Database to allow entry and storage of some types of stream data. Parts of the database and screens for data entry of fish surveys are complete and work was begun but is not yet complete on water quality and connectivity data. Progress was also made on choosing a format for storage of stream geomorphology data (i.e. the physical characteristics of the stream such as slope width depth). The DNR and PCA are exploring development of a shared tool for creating Index of Biotic Integrity scores that will also serve as a common location for DNR and PCA streams data. Discussions between DNR and PCA concluded that a shared database would be difficult to implement but that potential options for data sharing between the agencies should be enhanced through use of formats in our respective databases that allows for sharing information across agencies.
$1725000 the first year and $1725000 the second year are for shoreland stewardship TMDL implementation coordination providing technical assistance to the Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team and maintaining and updating data. Of this amount $235000 each year is for maintaining and updating watershed boundaries and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data with watershed modeling and $40000 each year is for a biomonitoring database. TMDL implementation coordination efforts shall be focused on major watersheds with TMDL implementation plans including forested watersheds.
In FY13 DNR will work with multiple PCA and DNR programs to develop a pilot version of a stream monitoring database. Development will include a prototype interface program for users to enter data.
In FY13 DNR worked with multiple PCA and DNR program staff on developing a common stream biomonitoring database. A model outlining the structure of the database was completed during FY13 laying the groundwork for database construction in FY14. Development of the physical database tables and user interface application was delayed during 2013 by a thorough business analysis modeling of PCA database tables and by PCA staff and MN IT @ DNR staff time limitations due to other project priorities.
$1725000 the first year and $1725000 the second year are for shoreland stewardship TMDL implementation coordination providing technical assistance to the Drainage Work Group and Drainage Management Team and maintaining and updating data. Of this amount $235000 each year is for maintaining and updating watershed boundaries and integrating high-resolution digital elevation data with watershed modeling and $40000 each year is for a biomonitoring database. TMDL implementation coordination efforts shall be focused on major watersheds with TMDL implementation plans including forested watersheds.
In FY12 DNR will lead a multi-agency effort to develop a data management structure for storing and sharing stream and river data.
In FY12 DNR hired a consultant to assist in creating a framework for a stream monitoring database. A key part of the process was identifying programs within DNR and MPCA that collect similar types of data which will become candidates for inclusion in the database. Working with DNR staff the consultant developed a draft structure for a stream monitoring database.