Summary #
Before conducting field work, gather existing information about your watershed from maps, mining records, government reports, and local knowledge. A thorough background search helps you understand the history and current conditions of the area and plan your assessment effectively.
Background information is helpful in determining where old mines are, what practices were used and who owns the land. Some early mining information may not be recorded, but most mining companies kept documents and maps of their activities. Since a good deal of information is often available from agencies, it’s very important to contact them early in the process. The advice and guidance of agency staff are vital to the work of watershed partnerships, and the motivation and energy of the partnership contribute to the work of the agency. Many times, citizens are surprised to learn that their creek or river has been monitored extensively by an agency or university research team. The summarized results of that data can provide valuable information for newspaper, radio or television coverage of the problem. Be advised, however, that sometimes data are old. Take precautions to check the dates of any data or other information provided, since water quality conditions change overtime.
- Sources of Background Information
- County clerk offices
- State water quality agencies
- State geological surveys
- Local conservation districts
- Libraries
- Universities
- Private consultants and industry
- Federal agencies
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Office of Surface Mining
- U.S. Geological Survey
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
Since a good deal of information is often available from agencies, it is very important to contact them early in the process.
Also be sure to examine the land use in your watershed. Water quality is often dependent upon the uses for the water. If your watershed is a public drinking water supply, special action may be needed. It may be possible to encourage local business to take part in watershed rehabilitation if their interests are affected. Identify any known pollution sources prior to assessment, as well as known ecological needs.
Related Pages #
- Collecting Data — Next step after background research
- Doing It Yourself — Self-directed assessment approach
- Establish Sampling Points — Setting up your monitoring network
- Mapping Your Watershed (Watershed 101)
Source and Last Reviewed #
Source: AMR Clearinghouse (amrclearinghouse.org). Migrated to AML-Connect. Last Reviewed: 2026-03-13.
[Admin note: Some external links in this article may be outdated. Verify before relying on them. Flag dead links for removal or replacement.]
Tags: assessment, planning, monitoring, practitioner
