LaMotte KICK-NET 3-0021-P - Manual (Page 4)

2. Hold the net perpendicular to the streamflow at a 45 % angle, letting the
water flow into the net (see diagram). The bottom of net must be anchored
slightly below the substrate to prevent insects from escaping beneath the net.
3. While one person holds the net, a second person picks up each stone (at
least several inches in diameter)in the sampling area and “cleans it”.
Holding the rock below the water’s surface in front of the net, scrub the
entire rock surface with your fingers to dislodge all insects which will
collect in the net. Check each rock to be sure the surface is free of all
organisms and replace in its original position. Continue until all rocks have
been scrub in the designated sample area usually a 3 foot square or 1 meter
square section (same dimensions as the net).
NOTE: Avoid standing in the sampling area when scrubbing stones.
4. After all the stones have been scrubbed, kick, shift and stir the substrate
with your feet. The entire sampling area must be done. This action should
take no less than 1 minute but could take longer, if needed.
5. Remove net from the stream. The person who scrubbed the stones should
grab the bottom of each pole, and in coordination with the person holding
the net, lift the net from the water with a scooping motion toward the
streamflow. Do not allow the top of the net to go below the surface of the
water, otherwise, you may loose part of your sample. Carry the net to a
pre-selected streambank or streamside area for insect removal, identification
and sample collection.
6. Wash the net in the stream to remove any remaining insects or debris.
Completely air dry net before storing.
The following are some groups that can be contacted concerning biological
sampling techniques and resource guides for organism identification in your
region.
Contact your US EPA Regional Office or State Agency in charge of water
quality sampling.
Maryland Save Our Streams
Heartbeat/100 Points Program
258 Scotts Manor Drive
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
Isaac Walton League of America (IWLA)
Save Our Streams Program
1401 Wilson Blvd, Level B
Arlington, VA 22209
Ohio Scenic River Volunteer Monitoring Program
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Natural Areas and Preserve
Bldg. 1889, Fountain Square Court
Columbus, OH 43224
North Carolina Stream Watch
P.O. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
Adopt-A-Stream Foundation
P.O. Box 5558
Everett, WA 98206
River Watch Network
153 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
Citizen Stream Monitoring:
A manual for Illinois. Call
the Illinois ENR Clearinghouse
1-800-252-8955 for a copy.