Maryland Biological Stream Survey Sentinel Sites

Overview

This dataset identifies watersheds that support high quality, long-term monitoring sites important for understanding the effects of environmental and land use change.

Data Layer Description

Source

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Location

Maryland

Scale: unknown

Description

The Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS), started in 1995, assesses the ecological condition of 1st through 4th order, non-tidal streams at statewide, basin and watershed scales by measuring key chemical, physical and biological parameters.  The watersheds selected for this data layer represent drainages that contain the MBSS Sentinel Site Network (SSN).  Certain stream segments within these watersheds are considered to be minimally-disturbed and located in places not likely to experience anthropogenic impacts.  Long term monitoring of these sites allows the MBSS to evaluate changes in ecological condition that are primarily attributed to seasonal and annual variations in hydrology and temperature/dissolved oxygen regimes, as well as biotic interactions.  

How to get the data layer

Contact

Kevin Coyne
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Tel: 410-260-8985

How you might make use of this data layer

This data layer identifies watersheds that are important to conserve in order to preserve the integrity of the State’s Sentinel Site Network.  

How to get more information

Check out this report on the Maryland Biological Stream Survey's Sentinel Site Network

Or contact Andy Becker
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Tel: 410-260-8683

Access and use constraints

Access Constraints:  None
Use Constraints:  The Department of Natural Resources makes no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the use or appropriateness of Spatial Data, and there are no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use.  The information contained in Spatial Data is from publicly available sources, but no representation is made as to the accuracy or completeness of Spatial Data.  The Department of Natural Resources shall not be subject to liability for human error, error due to software conversion, defect, or failure of machines, or any material used in the connection with the machines, including tapes, disks, CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs and energy.  The Department of Natural Resources shall not be liable for any lost profits, consequential damages, or claims against the Department of Natural Resources by third parties.  The liability of the Department of Natural Resources for damage regardless of the form of the action shall not exceed any distribution fees that may have been paid in obtaining Spatial Data.

Credits

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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