Macroinvertebrate bioassessment survey -- Indian Creek confluence, the Indian Creek riparian corridor at its confluence with the Klamath River, Happy Camp, CA 96039

Indian Creek has never had a documented macroinvertebrate bioassessment at its Klamath River confluence despite feeding salmon and steelhead habitat downstream, leaving water-quality trend data completely absent for this reach. Standard: USDA-NRCS riparian/watershed conservation-plan family (CPS 391 Riparian Forest Buffer, CPS 580 Streambank and Shoreline Protection); SDG 6.6/15.1 Proof: kick-net sample photos + taxa count log + GPS + habitat-condition notes Method (EPA dry-weather / AMD field screening, ~30-60 min): 1. Navigate to the outfall/reach; record GPS; photograph it, capturing any visible flow or staining. 2. Note whether flow is present in dry weather (yes/no). 3. Measure and record pH, conductivity, and each specified analyte per kit instructions. 4. Log any color, odor, floc, or aquatic-life observation. 5. Enter all readings with units, GPS, time, and photos into the proof record; sign. Equipment: GPS phone, pH meter or strips, conductivity meter, ammonia + iron test kit as specified, surfactant screen if specified, gloves, camera Done when: pH + conductivity recorded with units; Each specified analyte recorded with a value; Dry-weather flow present? recorded yes/no; GPS waypoint + timestamped photo

Where

the Indian Creek riparian corridor at its confluence with the Klamath River, Happy Camp, CA 96039

Pay

$150 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

kick-net sample photos + taxa count log + GPS + habitat-condition notes

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

advanced

Open until

2026-09-03

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 60–120 minutes. Method of record: EPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocol (family-level macroinvertebrate index)

Bring

• kick net or D-frame net
• white sorting tray
• forceps
• sample jars + ethanol
• family-level ID key
• GPS phone
• waders/boots
• camera

Steps

1. 1. Navigate to a riffle habitat; record GPS; photograph the reach.
2. 2. Disturb the substrate upstream of the net for a fixed time/area (kick sample) per RBP.
3. 3. Transfer the catch to the sorting tray; pick and sort organisms.
4. 4. Identify to family; tally counts; record EPT (Ephemeroptera/Plecoptera/Trichoptera) taxa.
5. 5. Compute the biotic index score from the tally.
6. 6. Note substrate and habitat condition.
7. 7. Enter tally, EPT count, index score, GPS, photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Low EPT count / low biotic index -> tag impaired; recommend a follow-up water-chemistry screen.
• No sensitive taxa present -> flag for stressor identification.

What counts as done

• Family-level taxa tally recorded
• EPT taxa count recorded
• Biotic index score computed
• GPS waypoint + riffle habitat photo

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.