Biomonitoring is the assessment of environmental health through the study of living organisms within an ecosystem. ACD's stream biomonitoring program focuses on benthic macroinvertebrates—bottom-dwelling animals that are large enough to be seen without a microscope and lack a backbone. These organisms include aquatic insects, snails, clams, leeches, and crayfish.
Because macroinvertebrates spend all or part of their life cycle in the water, they are excellent indicators of stream health. Some species, such as stoneflies, are highly sensitive to pollution and require clean, healthy streams, while others, such as midges, can tolerate degraded conditions. Their varying sensitivities to water quality and habitat conditions allow scientists to assess stream health by examining the types and abundance of organisms present. Published pollution tolerance values for most macroinvertebrate families further support this assessment.
ACD conducts stream biomonitoring each spring and fall to evaluate biological conditions in streams throughout Anoka County. The information collected helps identify water quality concerns, track long-term trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation and restoration efforts.
A key component of the program is the involvement of student and community volunteers. Local high school science classes serve as the primary volunteers, providing students with hands-on experience in scientific data collection and natural resource management. ACD supplies equipment, technical assistance, and training to ensure that monitoring activities are both educational and scientifically reliable. Many participating schools have incorporated stream biomonitoring into their curriculum and graduation requirements.
Approximately five high schools and 500 students participate in the program each year. The Anoka County biomonitoring program is also part of a larger metropolitan-area monitoring network. Participating counties use standardized methods and collaborate regularly to ensure data consistency and support regional assessments of stream health.
Volunteers Monitoring Area Streams
| Volunteers | Stream |
| Blaine High School | Sand Creek at Xeon St NW |
| Anoka High School | Rum River at Anoka High School |
| Forest Lake Area Community School | Clearwater Creek behind Centerville City Hall |
| Totino Grace High School | Rice Creek at Highway 65 |
| St. Francis High School | Rum River at R.River North County Park |
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