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Interpreting Macroinvertebrate Data: What does it all mean?

Jason York
Michael Baker International
Asheville, NC

Benthic macroinvertebrate data is often collected and sometimes a required component of pre and post-construction monitoring for stream restoration projects; however, the interpretation of these data can be challenging.  Collection protocols and metrics used to evaluate these data vary from state to state.  What are the most commonly used metrics? Which metrics are most relevant to stream restoration projects?  To what are we comparing our results?  This session will discuss metrics used in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and will showcase a database tool created by Michael Baker Intl. and KDV Decision Analysis used to calculate macroinvertebrate metrics in different states and output data in a standardized format. These data may in the future be used to inform regulatory guidance and make recommendations on defining biological success criteria.

About Jason York

Jason York is an Environmental Scientist for Michael Baker Intl. (MBI) in Asheville, NC where he oversees MBI’s NC Certified Laboratory for Population Studies of Benthic Macroinvertebrates. His work is focused on pre and post construction biological monitoring of streams using aquatic insects as indicators of water quality. Jason has completed several large contracts throughout the mid-Atlantic region with MBI and Penrose Environmental Consulting assessing water quality using aquatic insects. He is a certified taxonomist for Eastern Mayflies, Stoneflies, Caddisflies, and North American chironomids through the Society for Freshwater Science of which he is also a member. Jason has lived in Madison County, NC since 2006 where he enjoys his family, the rivers, the insects, and the people.