LaMotte LAUNDRY FABRIC User Manual

KICK-NET IN STRUC TIONS

3-0021-P

This 1 X 1 meter square 500 micron white mesh net is designed to meet the
requirements of groups performing USEPA Rapid Bioassessment Protocols
for benthic invertebrate sampling. However, any group interested in
sampling their streams for benthic invertebrates can easily use this net.

If you purchased the kick-net only, the pole sleeves will fit poles no larger
than 1 1/4 inch in diameter. Poles can be purchased at most hardware stores
that sell closet rods or pvc pipe and should be 4 feet long.

The bottom seam has been constructed to allow for the attachment of a
chain to the bottom of the poles. The chain will provide the weight needed
for the net to lie on the stream bottom. The chain should be galvanized and
this suggested size: 2/0 twist-link, machine chain with a 520 pound working
load limit. Chain length should be 43 to 43 1/2 inches. It can be attached to
poles using a washer and a stainless steel wood screw or swivel hook.

STOR AGE AND CARE

Keep sharp-edged objects, such as sticks, stones, etc. away from the mesh
net to avoid damaging it.

After use, completely air dry the net before storing.

NET USE

The following are general directions for use of the kick net. Contact local or
state natural resource departments, or other monitoring groups, for their
recommendations on site selection and location, net use, collection of and
guides for identification of local species and assessment. Obtain any permits
that may be required for collecting aquatic organisms from your state
agency.

Besides the net, suggested additional equipment should be used with the
kick net, including: rubber gloves and boots or waders to keep hands and
feet protected, white collecting pans, forceps or tweezers, magnifying lenses
or boxes, buckets, preservative and sample jars (labeled with date, site #,etc.
before going into the field).

The sampling site and sampling area in the stream should be selected prior
to sampling. Sampling should take place in a riffle area where the stream
flows swiftly and the substrate (stream bed) consists of rocks and stones.
Sampling in riffles can ensure a good diverse sample of benthic
invertebrates as riffles provide good habitat, including plenty of oxygen (via
water turbulence) for these organisms.

1. Enter the stream upstream from where the net will be placed, and sample
at the most upstream portion of the riffle so as to not to disturbed the
substrate in areas downstream that may need to be sampled.

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.

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

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.

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