ISTM Master Sample Component

A key objective of the ISTM project is to apply a region-wide "master sample" concept to the selection of sampling locations in the Lower Columbia river area. Using a probabilistic-based approach to monitoring design will support the integration of monitoring results across programs.

As part of the ISTM effort, PNAMP (working with Oregon State University) has developed a prototype web-based master sample tracking and management system tool to support the interests of increasing numbers of users in drawing samples from the population domain. This system allows users to know who else has selected sites from the master sample covering stream networks in their domains; to design individual or integrated monitoring programs; to know how existing sites relate to a common master sample; and what they are collecting at the site over time. In conjunction with the development and use of the web-based master sample management tool, we understand there is a need for dedicated analytical support for design and utilization of results of the monitoring design based on master sample. This support is currently provided by Oregon State University. The prototype is applied to the the Lower Columbia River region; we are currently developing requirements for deploying this tool to support the Pacific Northwest region, including the mainstem Columbia and Snake Rivers. Please see the Master Sample Tool Development Project for more information.