CARSON CITY — Each year, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection works in partnership with other public agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to provide students with a unique opportunity to learn about local water quality issues, water quality protection, and to participate in watershed research. These field studies provide a unique hands-on opportunity to learn about the Carson River watershed and the natural environment.
On Snapshot Day, participants collect data from multiple locations along the river to provide a “snapshot” of environmental conditions. Field tests are conducted and water samples are collected for lab analysis to measure nutrient, sediment and bacteria levels. With 11 monitoring sites along the Carson River, schools from the Alpine County headwaters to the Churchill County terminus are expected to send at least 250 students to participate in this year’s event.
“It’s remarkable how spending a morning exploring the river can instill a desire in students to learn more about our natural environment,” said Mary Kay Wagner, Environmental Scientist with the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
Snapshot Day data collection helps supplement existing monitoring programs and contribute to a more complete picture of watershed conditions. Monitoring teams have helped to identify and alert agencies to several “hot-spot” areas with water quality concerns.
For more information about Snapshot Day visit http://ndep.nv.gov/bwqp/snap_carson.htm or contact Mary Kay Wagner, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality Planning, 775-687-9454 or [email protected].
SOURCE: NDEP.
