Lotic AIM is a standardized approach for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to quantitatively monitor and assess the condition and trend of wadeable streams and rivers (i.e., lotic systems) on BLM-administered public lands. AIM is based on structured implementation to guide monitoring program development; standardized field sampling methodologies, electronic data capture, storage, and access; and the use of appropriate sample designs (e.g., targeted sampling for specific information or spatial random samples for Land Use Plan effectiveness). Lotic AIM methods and indicators follow BLM’s Fundamentals of Land Health and are actively used by over 50 field offices to answer questions such as: 1. Are management areas meeting land health standards; 2. Are reclamation and restoration treatments effective; 3. Are we maintaining or improving habitat for species of management concern; 4. Are land use plans effective? Please read Introducing the Framework and Indicators for Lotic Systems TR 1735-1 for more information.
The objective of this field-based training is for participants to be proficient in the collection of AIM lotic core and contingent field methods. Participants will learn how to:
- Implement a spatially balanced random sample (if you are using this type of design);
- Collect all core, contingent, and covariate methods outlined in the Lotic Field Protocol for Wadeable Systems – 1735-2 These methods focus on:
- Biodiversity and riparian habitat quality (e.g., macroinvertebrate sampling, floodplain connectivity, bank stability and cover),
- Water Quality (e.g., pH, conductivity, temperature),
- Watershed function and instream habitat quality (e.g., pool dimensions, streambed particle size, Slope);
- Use electronic data capture applications (Survey123, Field Maps);
- Conduct field and post-field QAQC methods
Training specifics:
Lotic AIM field methods training is six days long, with 4-8 hours of online pre-training exercises. Technicians are required to attend all six days of training, while project leads only need attend the first 3.5 days. Training is mandatory for those collecting AIM data and optional (but strongly encouraged) for project leads. If you do not have an AIM crew, but want to collect data using AIM methods and have it stored in the Lotic AIM database, you must attend the Lotic Field Methods training and follow AIM data management practices. Folks interested in attending a training but not involved in an AIM project are encouraged to register, but may be asked to attend a different location or attend in a future year if capacity is full.
2022 Lotic AIM Field Methods Training Dates and Locations:
Sierra Vista, AZ: March 14-19Cedar City, UT (Train the Trainer): April 4-9 postponed
Cedar City, UT: April 18-23
Eagle, CO (Boating training for approved crews): May 9-11
Rawlins, WY: May 16-21
Anchorage, AK: May 16-21
Delta, CO: May 23-28
Idaho Falls, ID: June 6-11
Baker City, OR: June 6-11
Registration for 2022 Field Methods Training will be via DOI Talent; stay tuned for directions.
For questions or concerns contact Kate Lunz (klunz@blm.gov) at the BLM National Operations Center.