Water temperature monitoring is a crucial element in conserving and protecting coldwater streams.  To conserve, protect, and restore coldwater fisheries we must know where they are.  In addition, temperature data is valuable to coldwater fisheries management and the MITU strategic dam removal initiative, the goal being to prioritize dams with the greatest warming impact for removal.  By working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment to design standard protocols and quality assurance measures for monitoring temperature we have ensured that temperature data collected by the MITU River Keepers Program will be utilized by the MI DNRE.

Temperature data is not only useful to the MI DNRE, but also will be used by MITU to carry out our conservation mission.  Monitoring temperature above and below a stressor (i.e., dams, storm water inputs, or irrigation withdrawals) can tell us how damaging that stressor may be.  For example, monitoring above and below a dam provides information on how much that dam affects water temperature.  This can help us determine how harmful a particular dam may be and help us prioritize dams for removal.  Monitoring throughout a watershed can identify the location of key coldwater inputs, determine how cold particular streams are, and identify coldwater we were previously unaware of.  Temperature monitoring is a key component in the prioritization of conservation and restoration efforts.

If your chapter is interested in beginning a temperature monitoring program please contact Kristin Thomas ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (616) 460-0477) for more information.

• Temperature Logger Deployment Protocol
• Temperature Logger Download Directions
• Temperature Measurement Protocols
• Temperature Measurement Log
• Volunteer Time Log