Volunteer monitoring data: An untapped resource for large-scale assessments and ecosystem management

Volunteer-collected monitoring data have tremendous potential for contributing to large-scale, long-term monitoring and assessment programs and ecological research.  These locally-focused volunteer efforts can generate high-quality data that are sorely needed for regional aquatic research, conservation and management, as well as foster public stewardship by directly engaging people with their local aquatic resources.  The Michigan Clean Water Corps (MiCorps) was established in 2004 to standardize and expand the existing network of organizations conducting volunteer monitoring on inland lakes and streams across the state.  This statewide coordination of field and laboratory protocols, data quality assurance standards, and data management has facilitated large-scale assessments of current conditions and trends in Michigan’s aquatic ecosystems.  Comparison of professionally-collected and volunteer-collected data in the MiCorps program demonstrates remarkable comparability in results, attesting to the effectiveness of standardized training and volunteer-appropriate quality assurance techniques.  In many regions of the United States, volunteer organizations monitor more frequently and at more sites than agencies with statewide responsibilities.  Further, public support of ecological research is increased when citizens are engaged.  Agencies responsible for regional management, ecological researchers, and local volunteer monitoring groups must communicate needs, interests and capabilities to maximize the potential for collaboration and science-based aquatic management.