Stream Health and Habitat Assessments for Mixed Agricultural Streams in Pennsylvania and Maryland (2023)

U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists completed a data collection campaign from the 3rd of April to the 23rd of June in 2023, using various methods to record geomorphic and habitat indicators throughout 30 streams in southern Pennsylvania and northern Maryland.  Field methods included GNSS surveys, gravelometer-based pebble count readings, visual assessments, and riparian analyses. This metadata record contains all recorded observations from the campaign as well as numerous summary metrics to be used in model development. Those "model-ready" data can be found in Mixed_Agriculture_Summary_Metrics.csv in the parent item, while the two child items contain recorded in-channel observations and recorded survey data.

Attached to this release is a data dictionary containing general information about Mixed_Agriculture_Summary_Metrics.csv. This information can be found in the Summary_Metrics_Dictionary.csv file.

The various data collected in this data release fall into the following categories describing both reach average and heterogeneity:
- Study Information
     - Internal site ID
- Riparian Statistics
     - Rapid Riparian Assessment (RRA) Qualitative Index scores
     - Riparian canopy cover
     - Active floodplain width
- Bank Statistics
     - Bank erosion rates
     - Bank vegetation
     - Modified BEHI score
     - Total to bankfull ratio
     - Bank angle
     - Total bank height
     - Legacy sediment depth
- In-Channel Statistics
     - Wetted width
     - Bankfull width
     - Bankfull height
     - Pebble count
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Embeddedness
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Fine sediment depth
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Water depth
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Flow type
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - In-channel canopy cover
     - Vegetation coverage
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Fish habitat coverage
          - Average
          - Heterogeneity metrics
     - Woody debris
 - Survey Metrics
     - Thalweg sinuosity
     - Longitudinal roughness
     - Water surface slope
     - Cross section
          - Bankfull area
          - Total channel area
          - Total to bankfull area ratio
          - Cross sectional roughness
          - Wetted perimeter

Additionally, the following child items can be found attached to this data release:
- Recorded Field Observations: All unsummarized data collected by field team members from the Habitat Assessment field teams.
- Recorded Survey Data: All coordinate data from surveying campaign collected by Habitat Assessment field teams.

Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.