Question
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 13:18:12 -0500
From: Danielle Donkersloot
Subject: [volmonitor] Service Provider Network:
Hi Everyone:
I would like to know how many states have a volunteer monitoring service provider network? I am familiar with C-SAW in PA but I am looking for other examples.
My definition of a Service Provider Network is an existing mechanism that provides technical assistance and quality control to groups throughout the state consisting of professional staff of watershed associations, agencies, environmental organizations. This work/hand holding is done on a case-by-case basis for a fee.
Let me know if you have been involved in something similar or if you know of a group I can contact. Thanks again for you help!
“In order to achieve something, you must get started” Fortune Cookie wisdom
Danielle Donkersloot
609-633-9241 (direct line)
609-633-1458 (fax)
PO Box 418
Trenton, NJ 08625
http://www.nj.gov/dep/watershedmgt/volunteer_monitoring.htm
Responses
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:32:03 -0500
From: Peggy Savage
Subject: Re: [volmonitor] Service Provider Network:
Hi Danielle,
When I was in MA, Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) got a grant from EOEA (Executive Office of Environmental Affairs) along with 4-5 other groups to create a Service Provider Network. We were given specific geographic areas to cover – where we were to be the “first line of defense” for any requests for help from groups within our area. As the Network went along, we eventually created a list of skills that each of us could provide — and then if one of us got a request for assistance on a topic we didn’t specialize in, we could direct them to someone else. The Service Provider Network only lasted as long as the funding did (2-3 years). It took a while to get it up and functioning, since no one was aware of what monitoring groups existed where. But I would say that the majority of requests came from groups who were unaware that the Network existed.
I will dig around in my files at home and send you another contact of one of the other Service Providers who basically was already doing it for groups in their area. He may be able to give you more info — or let you know if it has been reinstated since I left.
Hope this helps! Take care — Peggy
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 13:38:58 -0700
From: Rich Schrader
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] Service Provider Network:
Danielle,
My company in many ways is providing a network like you describe for New Mexico. There are many monitoring service providers, but very few who work with volunteers. Go to riversource.net to see some of the projects River Souce has using an informal network of contractors.
Also, I’m on the board of the Rocky Mountain Watershed Network, a regional network for service providers.
Rich Schrader
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 16:14:13 -0500
From: Geoff Dates
Subject: Re: [volmonitor] Service Provider Network:
Yes! It’s a great small-scale (but growing) model that grew out of a school program. I’ve recommended Rich to groups and tribes in NM and have been impressed with his adaptations of our training materials and the creation of his own approach to linking data to local planning, and even place-based stream restoration projects.
Geoff
Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 10:35:07 -0400
From: stacey@vasos.org
Subject: [volmonitor]
We are starting something similar in Virginia. We are just in the beginning stages of development. We have based some of our organization on what’s going on in other state’s. We have some information about other states’ programs on our website.
Stacey Brown
Virginia Save Our Streams
P.O. Box 8297
Richmond, VA 23226
804-615-5036
stacey@vasos.org
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 14:09:59 -0500
From: Geoff Dates
Subject: Re: [volmonitor] Service Provider Network:
Hi there,
Try these for starters.
Angie Becker Kudelka in MN (Minnesota Waters – was the Rivers Council of MN)
Eric Mendelman of Texas Watch
Missouri Stream Teams
IoWater
MA Water Watch Partnership (Jerry Shoen)
Your definition casts a broad net, especially with agency-run lakes programs. I think most states have something that looks like what you describe.
Have a great weekend. I’m off to Wyoming next week. Anyone in Jackson I can give your regards?
Geoff
From: HANSON Steve
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] Service Provider Network:
I’m not sure if my program fits in. I am a state funded, no charge to
monitoring groups, program. More info at
http://www.deq.state.or.us/lab/wqm/volmonitoring.htm
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 12:08:54 -0800
From: Bridget Hoover
Subject: RE: [volmonitor] Service Provider Network:
Hi Danielle, I guess you would say that I provide a roll of “Service Provider” within the boundaries of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We have a listserv, I loan equipment and can provide training to do water quality monitoring for smaller groups. We also have a QAPP that can act as an umbrella for smaller organizations, however, that has only been done once. We also try to standardize protocols and data management between groups. The Network has been in existence since about 1998. My website is below for more info or you can call me if you want to discuss further. Bridget
Bridget Hoover
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Citizen Watershed Monitoring Network Coordinator
299 Foam Street
Monterey, CA 93940
B (831) 883-9303
F (831) 883-4748
www.montereybay.noaa.gov/monitoringnetwork/welcome.html