Join the thousands of volunteers participating Watershed Snapshot 2005 and help educate the public about water quality in their own backyards.

Each year a specific week is set aside around Earth Day when groups and individuals all over the country go out and sample streams, lakes and ponds and report their results. This year the week of April 15 to 24 is designated for the Watershed Snapshot.

Watershed Snapshot 2005 has undergone some major changes to streamline the reporting process and make the information collected more accessible. DEP said there will be no mass mailings of reminder cards or participation packets. All information, including field data sheets, is available on the DEP website.

To participate, go to the Watershed Snapshot 2005 webpage and get field sheets and other instructions.

Then sometime between April 15 and April 24, go to any water body and complete as much of the information as you wish. There is no need to do all of the testing and measuring listed on the form.

You decide what to test, measure, and observe based on the time and equipment you have available. All data is welcome. Later, to enter the information collected, go back to the website and click on the "Snapshot Participation" box, and then on "database."

Within 30 days after collecting the information you should enter your findings into the database. DEP will use your data to develop a summary report, which will be posted on the same website at a later date.

If you have questions, or do not have access to a computer to print the forms, contact the Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring Program at 717-772-5807.

Have fun, be safe, and remember to always get landowner permission before entering private property.

3/4/2005