PROJECT OVERVIEW​​

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Project Big Wood has partnered with Science on the Fly (SOTF) to launch a long-term water quality monitoring program on the Big Wood River. This effort fills a critical data gap, helping us establish baseline trends and track how the river is changing over time. With better data, PBW can more effectively guide restoration priorities and advocate for the health of our home water.

Each month, PBW collects samples from ten monitoring sites along the Big Wood River and its tributaries. These samples are sent to SOTF’s lab, where they are analyzed to provide accurate data on:

• Nutrient content

• Pollutants

• pH

• Dissolved oxygen

This collaboration provides reliable, science-backed information that strengthens our ability to care for the Big Wood River.
 

PROJECT GOALS AND BENEFITS​

• Track river health: Establish baseline water quality trends on the Big Wood River, where long-term monitoring has been limited

• Fill data gaps: Measure pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and pollutants consistently across ten sites

• Connect science and community: Bridge local stewardship with global expertise through a fly-fishing–based science network

• Build long-term knowledge: Create datasets that help detect emerging threats and advocate for the Big Wood River’s health well into the future

• Support PBW’s monitoring efforts: Annual public reporting of data, contributing to the State of the Big Wood

• Share data publicly: Results will be posted on PBW’s website and shared with partners to address emerging threats and implement targeted conservation strategies

• Strengthen restoration science: Use reliable data with a stronger scientific foundation to guide PBW’s restoration priorities, education, and community engagement 

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PARTNERSHIPS

We’re proud to partner with Science on the Fly, an organization that unites the fly-fishing community with river scientists worldwide. 

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