WSR PARTNERSHIP PORTAL
WELCOME
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Project was a collaboration between Adventure Scientists, the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management to address water quality data gaps and update the status of Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSRs) across the nation, improving how these river systems are managed and protected. From 2020 through winter of 2023, more than 198 volunteer teams visited 201 priority rivers and collected water quality data.
On this page, you will find further information about the project, data summaries, data access, project resources, and media.
If you have any questions or comments about this page, or want to see more information, don’t hesitate to reach out at admin@adventurescientists.org.
Project Field Seasons
Year 1: June 2020 – January 31, 2021
Year 2: April 1 – September 1, 2021
October 1 – February 28, 2022
Year 3: April 1 – September 1, 2022
October 1 – February 28, 2023
PROJECT DATA
Data Dashboard
The dashboard below summarizes data volunteers collected for the projec. The dashboard is interactive and live. For more detailed data exploration, click the button below.
Water Quality Portal (WQP)
The WQP is the EPA regulated water quality data warehouse. The information and videos below guide you through the process of accessing data through this portal.
To access this dataset we ask that you fill out the form on the data request page. Button below. Once your request has been approved you will receive a link that will allow you to download the dataset on WQP as well as the raw “out of the field” version of the dataset we curate ourselves.
PROJECT RESOURCES
This project follows the guidelines set forth from the QAPP document, which was developed with federal partners, as well as some state agencies.
Volunteers with this project collected data and water samples in the field after completing an interactive online training. We supply them with sampling equipment and printed protocol booklets. Digital copies of those printed protocols can be found below.
PROJECT MEDIA
In the Field
Explore photos from our dedicated adventure volunteers and watch our short film: “Wild for the Green.”
Mike Herring with phone at the ready to receive probe data on the Alatna River.
Emilee and Ariella celebrate successful collection of water samples. COVID-safe! On the Skagit River, WA. PC: Emilee Armstrong
Demonstrating how we wash the probes prior to each sample.
Maria recording water quality data on Billings Creek, near the end of a great early season trip on the Rogue River, through the Wild and Scenic section. Maria Scanelli
Katya Koepsel shows the red color of Fortymile Creek, Alaska PC: Michelle Toshack
Ricky collects water quality data from the lower Alatna River.
Photo of a basic kit that volunteers receive.
Dylan collects measurements using a field probe. Ann and Dylan Kuhn visited the Upper Cottonwood Creek Wild and Scenic River in California in May 2021 to collect data for the Wild and Scenic Rivers project. PC: Ann Kuhn
Ricky Jones tests the water quality of the upper headwaters of the Alatna River, Brooks Range Alaska. PC: Mike Herring
Mike Herring with phone at the ready to receive probe data on the Alatna River.
Emilee and Ariella celebrate successful collection of water samples. COVID-safe! On the Skagit River, WA. PC: Emilee Armstrong
Press
Media coverage about the Wild and Scenic Rivers project.
How Outdoor Enthusiasts Can Help Scientific Research About Climate and Wildlife – The Revelator – July 27, 2022
Blog Post: Kalmiopsis Trip Report: Exploring Chrome Creek – Northwest Rafting Co. – April 25, 2021