Watershed Councils across Oregon have begun to take advantage of available training and resources to adopt macroinvertebrate monitoring as an important element of their efforts to protect, restore, and manage aquatic resources. The macroinvertebrate monitoring data can be used to meet several important objectives:

· monitor the effectiveness of restoration efforts
· provide watershed-level biological data to guide the development of TMDLs
· monitor potential sources of impairment
· provide baseline data for future monitoring

Effective macroinvertebrate monitoring begins with effective training and guidance. The OWEB funded CD-ROM and field guide Stream Bugs as Biomonitors: A Guide to Pacific Northwest Macroinvertebrate Monitoring and Identification was an important first step in our effort to train watershed councils, but a human touch in the early stages of developing a macroinvertebrate monitoring program is vital for watershed groups' efforts to develop effective monitoring programs.

Needs of Participating Watershed Councils
Two Watershed Councils and a Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) have been communicating with Xerces Society staff and are highly engaged in efforts to produce quality data through the development of macroinvertebrate monitoring programs in their watersheds.

The Grant Soil and Water Conservation District (active in upper John Day River watersheds) expressed interest in collaboration after receiving information on Stream Bugs as Biomonitors. Restoration efforts that have focused in the Upper John Day Basin have been monitored using traditional water quality measures. A macroinvertebrate monitoring program is an important additional tool in evaluating the success of their restoration efforts.

The Upper Deschutes River Watershed Council identified macroinvertebrate monitoring as an important tool in evaluating the effects of sedimentation on their aquatic resources.

Finally, The Pudding River Watershed Council is developing its watershed assessment and would like to use macroinvertebrate monitoring as an additional tool in prioritizing management and restoration efforts. This Council is also interested in using macroinvertebrates to contribute to and monitor the evolving TMDL process in the watershed.