Quest Outdoors

Snowmonkey

The Rocky River USGS flow and temperature gage data is now available online at the following link just in time for the fall 2006 steelhead season:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/oh/nwis/uv?04201500

The real time temp data is a first for an Ohio stream. Here's a copy of an article about the project and the parnters who worked together to make it possible:

"The Rocky River Flow Gage Upgrade Project: A Watershed Stewardship Success Story, August 2006 Issue of Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace Newsletter

When I received yet another call inquiring “what needs to be done in order to make flow data for the Rocky River available on the internet and how can we help?” I knew that it was time to do something. This particular call was from the president of the local chapter of Trout Unlimited and represented the wishes of many of this group’s members, a sentiment which I had heard numerous times within the past year from several other groups and local anglers, boaters, and conservation professionals.

A quick call to USGS, the federal agency which maintains river gages, confirmed that interest was indeed present as their regional representative had received numerous recent inquiries regarding this matter. The main problem was that his agency can’t directly accept non-governmental funding and most past inquiries had originated from private groups. The fact that Cleveland Metroparks is a major watershed stakeholder, was interested in such a project, and is able to work directly with such groups made us an ideal regional government “sponsor” of this project.

After an encouraging start to our conversation, we proceeded to discuss what would have to occur to make this possible. He informed me that the Rocky River flow gage wasn’t outfitted with the updated equipment necessary for satellite data transmission which is required for real-time web availability. Addition of a temperature probe, a first on an area stream, was another exciting possibility. I was informed that USGS would procure the equipment and conduct installation and maintenance, but funding for the equipment would need to come from elsewhere. It was time to make some calls.

As it turned out, a number of groups almost jumped at the opportunity to assist in funding this project. Project partners comprised a diverse cross section of non-profit sportsman’s groups and several levels of government, including: Emerald Necklace Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Firelands Fly Fishers, Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, USGS, and Cleveland Metroparks. The Metroparks portion was from an ECO Green Project fund, which is generated from proceeds from our recycling program, which reflects responsible economic and conservation practice.

It was at this point that a neat “bigger picture” benefit of this project became clear: successful watershed stewardship. This simply means that several groups with a stake in the health of the river were working together towards attaining a common goal in the interest of the watershed. This was every bit as important as the more immediate benefits of this project.

As of the date of writing this, project funds have been acquired and an agreement is being signed by Park officials. The data should be available as you read this on the Cleveland Metroparks and USGS websites.

Mike Durkalec,
Natural Resources"

BuzzFloatman · Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:42 am Post subject:

Mike,

Your efforts are greatly appreciated on this project.

This makes it that much easier for us "Michigan Steelheaders" to come south and catch "our" fish Wink

Thanks again, hope to see you this fall.

BK

TheSteelheadBum · Lunker Joined: 17 Dec 2005 Posts: 528 Location: The Joe

That is awesome. I wish our rivers here in Michigan would have a temp gauge on them along with the cfs gauge...