Ambient Water Quality Monitoring - Stream Bioassessments
Stream Bioassessments and Habitat Surveys are conducted on the three Reservation perennial streams on a triennial basis. The purpose is to monitor the creeks for any changes to the biological integrity of the stream ecosystem.
The results of the bioassessments are compared to past results to determine the long term trend of stream ecosystem integrity.
The streams are sampled for macroinvertebrates (insects) which are sent to a lab to be counted and identified. Based on the amount and type of macroinvertebrates, the streams are rated on their biological integrity.
The streams are also mapped for geomorphic features such as width, depth, stream bank type, buffer widths, pools and riffles, and sediment charateristics.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is federally recognized and operates under Constitution and Bylaws adopted in 1936 pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.
The Swinomish Tribe is committed to improving the lives and well being of the tribal members through social and cultural programs, education, economic development, and resource protection.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is located on Fidalgo Island (gateway to the San Juan Islands) in Skagit County of Washington State about 70 miles north of Seattle. The Planning Office is located across the Swinomish Channel from the town of LaConner.