This data package contains records and metadata of avian point count data that were collected in six National Park Service units as part of the Eastern Rivers and Mountains Network Streamside Bird Monitoring Protocol. Data were collected between 2011 and 2023. The point counts were conducted by paid technicians during May and June of the inclusive years. Multiple sites per park were sampled each year and each site consisted of 3 point count stations. Sites were typically sampled four times each year. During point counts, the following information for each individual bird detected was recorded: 1) species identity, 2) type of detection (e.g., song, calls or chips, visual), 3) the distance band of first detection (≤ 50 m, 51 – 75 m, or > 75 m of the point count station), 4) each 1 min interval the bird was detected, 5) if the bird was a juvenile, and 6) if the bird was flying over the canopy at the time of detection. Point count length was 10 minutes. The streamside bird monitoring protocol consists of a narrative, standard operating procedures, and a quality assurance plan that outline the rationale, objectives, sampling design, data quality evaluation, and other specific aspects of the monitoring protocol.

This database contains all long-term vegetation monitoring data related to elk (Cervus elaphus) reintroduction and management in GRSM. Each vegetation plot consists of an exclosure plot and a paired control plot. Also included in the database are all data related to exclosure damage from tree fall or other disturbance and exclosure repairs. All work has been performed by GRSM Resource Management & Science staff.

Procedures are from the NRSA Field Operations Manual 1. In situ Measure in situ DO, pH, water temperature, and conductivity using a calibrated multi-parameter water quality meter (or sonde). Take the measurements mid-channel at the X-site. Take the readings at 0.5 m depth. Measure the site depth accurately before taking the measurements. If the depth at the x-site is less than 1 meter, take the measurements at mid-depth. 2. Water Chemistry The water chemistry samples will be analyzed for total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), total ammonium(NH4), nitrate (NO3), basic anions, cations, total suspended solids (TSS),turbidity, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), alkalinity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and total organic carbon (TOC). Using a 3 L Nalgene beaker, collect a grab sample into one 4L cube container (for water chemistry)and one 2L amber Nalgene bottle (for chlorophyll a from the X site at the midpoint of the stream. After collection, store all samples on ice in a closed cooler. Filter the chlorophyll-a sample, the filters must be kept frozen until ready to ship. 3. Benthic Macroinvertebrates Collect benthic macroinvertebrate composite sample using a D-frame net with 500 micron mesh openings. Individual samples will be collected from 11 transects equally distributed along the reach. Composite sample and preserve in 95% ethanol. 4. Periphyton Collect periphyton from the 11 cross transects established withing the sample reach. 5. Physical Habitat Field measurements for physical habitat are made at two scales of resolution along the mid-channel length of the reach, and the results are later aggregated and expressed for the entire reach. The protocol defines the length of each sampling reach proportional to stream channel wetted width and then systematically places measurements to statistically represent the entire reach. Measurements will consist of: Thalweg profile and large woody debris tally, Channel cross section and riparian cross section, channel constraint and torrent evidence, bank slope, canopy cover, instream fish cover, algea, aquatic macrophytes, human influence and stream discharge. 6. Fecal Indicator A fecal indicator sample at the last transect (Transect K) after all other sampling is completed. Filters will be frozen within six hours of collection. A pre-sterilized, 250 ml bottle will be used to collect the sample approximately 1 m off the bank at about 0.3 meter (12 inches) below the water. 7. Fish Assemblage The fish sampling method is designed to provide a representative sample of the fish community, collecting all but the rarest fish taxa inhabiting the site. It is intended to accurately represent species richness, species guilds, relative abundance, size and presence of anomalies. Fish will be collected using a backpack electrofisher and placed into an aerated container then sorted by species, recorded and returned to the stream. Any voucher specimens will be collected by photograph only.

In 2022, stream reaches at Congaree National Park (CONG) were surveyed following the methods outlined in Monitoring Wadeable Stream Habitat Conditions in Southeast Coast Network Parks (McDonald et al. 2018). On each stream reach, data were collected to provide an understanding of reach- and transect-scale geomorphology and benthic habitat characteristics. In 2021, stream reaches at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CHAT) were surveyed following the same methods (McDonald et al. 2018). In 2019, stream reaches at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park (HOBE), Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield (KEMO), and Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (OCMU) were surveyed following the same methods (McDonald et al. 2018). In 2018, stream reaches at Congaree National Park (CONG) were surveyed following the same methods (McDonald et al. 2018). In 2017, stream reaches at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CHAT), Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield (KEMO), and Ocmulgee National Monument (OCMU) were surveyed following the same methods (McDonald et al. 2018). McDonald JM and Others. 2018. Monitoring wadeable stream habitat conditions in Southeast Coast Network parks: Protocol narrative. Natural Resource Report. NPS/SECN/NRR—2018/1715. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2254874

Nighttime roadside spotlight counts of white-tailed deer in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This dataset contains monitoring data for streams at Crater Lake NP, Lassen Volcanic NP, Oregon Caves NMP, Redwood NSP, and Whiskeytown NRA. Streams are significant and productive resources that are influenced by activities both inside and outside parks boundaries. Because healthy streams are vital to park landscapes and ecosystems, we sample physical, biological, and chemical parameters. These varied parameters allow us to measure change over time and across the landscape. Thus, we can detect trends and assess impacts. Since 2011, the Klamath Network has been monitoring streams in five parks. The protocol combines monitoring water quality characteristics of streams, such as the chemical and physical conditions, with monitoring the aquatic communities that the stream supports, such as the fish, plants, and macroinvertebrates. The combined protocol is extremely effective as it can provide both snapshots in time of water quality and habitat properties, as well as long term indications of health from the living assemblages. Objectives are to: Determine the status and trends of conditions in wadeable streams. Assist parks with “impaired quality waters,” also known as “303d” lists as defined by the Clean Water Act. Assist parks with monitoring of “Outstanding National Resource Waters” or Tier 3 waters as defined by the Clean Water Act. We measure/collect: Physical environment including substrate composition, depth, gradient, discharge, stream width, and bank height. Water anions, cations, and nutrients. Water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, specific conductivity, turbidity, and pH. Algal samples to determine periphyton biomass. Benthic macroinvertebrates. Visual Encounter Surveys for amphibians. Fish populations. Photographs to provide visual comparisons over time.

Table of water sample results for individual creeks within Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This dataset contains monitoring data for streams at Crater Lake NP, Lassen Volcanic NP, Oregon Caves NMP, Redwood NSP, and Whiskeytown NRA. Streams are significant and productive resources that are influenced by activities both inside and outside parks boundaries. Because healthy streams are vital to park landscapes and ecosystems, we sample physical, biological, and chemical parameters. These varied parameters allow us to measure change over time and across the landscape. Thus, we can detect trends and assess impacts. Since 2011, the Klamath Network has been monitoring streams in five parks. The protocol combines monitoring water quality characteristics of streams, such as the chemical and physical conditions, with monitoring the aquatic communities that the stream supports, such as the fish, plants, and macroinvertebrates. The combined protocol is extremely effective as it can provide both snapshots in time of water quality and habitat properties, as well as long term indications of health from the living assemblages. Objectives are to: Determine the status and trends of conditions in wadeable streams. Assist parks with “impaired quality waters,” also known as “303d” lists as defined by the Clean Water Act. Assist parks with monitoring of “Outstanding National Resource Waters” or Tier 3 waters as defined by the Clean Water Act. We measure/collect: Physical environment including substrate composition, depth, gradient, discharge, stream width, and bank height. Water anions, cations, and nutrients. Water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, specific conductivity, turbidity, and pH. Algal samples to determine periphyton biomass. Benthic macroinvertebrates. Visual Encounter Surveys for amphibians. Fish populations. Photographs to provide visual comparisons over time.

This dataset contains monitoring data for streams at Crater Lake NP, Lassen Volcanic NP, Oregon Caves NMP, Redwood NSP, and Whiskeytown NRA. Streams are significant and productive resources that are influenced by activities both inside and outside parks boundaries. Because healthy streams are vital to park landscapes and ecosystems, we sample physical, biological, and chemical parameters. These varied parameters allow us to measure change over time and across the landscape. Thus, we can detect trends and assess impacts. Since 2011, the Klamath Network has been monitoring streams in five parks. The protocol combines monitoring water quality characteristics of streams, such as the chemical and physical conditions, with monitoring the aquatic communities that the stream supports, such as the fish, plants, and macroinvertebrates. The combined protocol is extremely effective as it can provide both snapshots in time of water quality and habitat properties, as well as long term indications of health from the living assemblages. Objectives are to: Determine the status and trends of conditions in wadeable streams. Assist parks with “impaired quality waters,” also known as “303d” lists as defined by the Clean Water Act. Assist parks with monitoring of “Outstanding National Resource Waters” or Tier 3 waters as defined by the Clean Water Act. We measure/collect: Physical environment including substrate composition, depth, gradient, discharge, stream width, and bank height. Water anions, cations, and nutrients. Water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, temperature, specific conductivity, turbidity, and pH. Algal samples to determine periphyton biomass. Benthic macroinvertebrates. Visual Encounter Surveys for amphibians. Fish populations. Photographs to provide visual comparisons over time.

Geodatabase representing the sample design for the North Coast and Cascades Network (NCCN) elk monitoring project at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (LEWI). The goal for the elk monitoring project is to detect changes in the magnitude and spatial patterns of elk use of landscapes at several spatial and temporal scales within, and adjacent to, the Fort Clastop unit of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (LEWI). The geodatabase is the spatial representation of elk pellet survey plot locations and standard road driving routes, with tenth mile reference markers, used to conduct elk surveys. Changes in elk relative use and the proportion of area occupied (PAO) by elk will be based on pellet group surveys conducted in the Fort Clatsop unit of LEWI. We will monitor trends in the relative use by elk in winter through the estimation of pellet group density as measured during late winter surveys each year. We will infer trends in elk viewing opportunities in selected areas adjacent to the Fort Clatsop unit by monitoring the rate at which elk are sighted in roadside surveys on specified routes. The road survey sighting rate is a direct index to the rate that park visitors driving the selected set of roads would be expected to see elk. By recording the seasonal patterns of elk herd sightings we will document trends in elk viewing opportunities for visitors during different seasons.