WAVE 2020 Results and the 2021 Sampling Season

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 05/03/2021 04:00 PM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
DEC Delivers - Information to keep you connected and informed from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Share or view as a web page || Update preferences or unsubscribe

Gearing up for WAVE 2021 Sampling

Hello WAVE Volunteers,

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. The WAVE sampling season runs July – Sept and is fast approaching. Your health and safety is our number one priority, please continue to follow COVID-19 recommendations for any volunteers that would like to participate in 2021.

2020 Results

Samples received from the 2020 sampling season have been posted to the online map. You can also email wave@dec.ny.gov for more details.

2021 Updates

New digital field forms are available for WAVE volunteers that would like to utilize them for sampling. You can fill out the forms via your smartphone or tablet. The link to the forms is available on the WAVE field forms page.

2021 Reminders

Staff in DEC's stream section are selecting sites for the 2021 professional stream sampling program. Several WAVE sites are among the list of proposed sampling locations. See the complete list of WAVE sites.

WAVE sites that are found to be “possibly impaired” or that had low habitat scores will be considered for the 2021 professional monitoring.

Anyone who can kick over a rock can participate in WAVE by following these simple steps:

1. Select a sampling location. We particularly appreciate samples collected from unassessed stream segments which are highlighted in this site selection tool. That being said, if the data are locally important, we'll accept samples from any stream with appropriate habitat.

Site selection tool

2. Get trained in the WAVE method at home, on your own time, by visiting the WAVE Page  and reading the WAVE Sampling Guide. Links to online training videos (youtube) are on the main WAVE page (links leave DEC's website).

3. Find a WAVE team. Find WAVE teams near you using this map. Send a list of teams you want to contact to wave@dec.ny.gov to get connected today! If you can't find a team near you, consider forming your own team! You can also participate as individuals not associated with a team. 

4. Sign the WAVE waiver. WAVE participants must sign and mail in the WAVE waiver to participate.

Stay in the Loop. WAVE announcements are distributed through DEC’s email listserve. To sign up, enter your email address in the blue "DEC Delivers" box on the WAVE page.