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Millers River

Watershed Council, Inc. 100 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331

978-248-9491 council@millersriver.net

MRWC Stream Temperature Monitoring Program

2013 Report

Prepared by:

Keith Davies, Projects Coordinator with

Ivan Ussach, MRWC Coordinator

6/12/14

mailto:council@millersriver.net?cc=&bcc&subject=From%20the%20MRWC%20page&body

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Table of Contents:

1. Executive Summary 2

2. Introduction, Purpose 3

3. Approach 4

4. Procedures, QC, Equipment 5

5. Sampling sites 6

6. Results: Data 8

7. Data interpretation 18

8. Multi-Location Stream Temperature Monitoring 19

9. Evaluation and Future efforts 22

Appendices 24

1. Target streams 25

2. Temp probe QC 26

3. Summer Weather notes – Quabbin HQ 27

4. Maximum Air Temperatures Graph 28

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Executive Summary

Tributary streams are critical to the health of rivers and their watersheds. In 2013, MRWC embarked on a stream temperature monitoring effort to begin to generate a long-term baseline record of stream temperatures across the basin. Such basic water quality data is useful in assessing stream health, especially in an era of acknowledged climate change. The likely impacts from climate change are briefly discussed in the following section. This effort is part of the development of a new and larger MRWC monitoring program: TribWatch, which has the goal of collecting stream data from all named streams in the watershed. Having stream data from as many streams as possible will enable MRWC to better assess watershed health. TribWatch has started with temperature sampling and plans to phase in macroinvertebrate sampling, flow monitoring and physical-chemical sampling. Stream continuity surveys will be a restoration component of this new program. In 2013, MRWC collected temperature data from 11 streams using volunteers who sampled streams weekly. Though temperatures varied somewhat from stream to stream, similar seasonal temperature profiles were noted. July was the warmest month, with a number of the sampled streams tipping above 20 degree C (68 F), the cold water fishery threshold. A few streams did hold under this level. 2013 was the first year of what is hoped will be a regular and ongoing effort which will be complemented by in-situ temperature data-loggers at some sites. MRWC rates this first season as a success. Our thanks to the following volunteers: Leah Berlin, Diane Nassif, Shaun Grimley and Scott MacDonald/TU.

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Introduction/Purpose

“Aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change. Predicted changes in timing, frequency, and duration of precipitation events, more intense storms, a shift from winter snow to rain, more frequent and longer summer droughts, and increases in temperature trends and extreme high temperatures will affect both lotic (flowing water) and lentic (still water) habitats. Water quality and quantity are expected to be adversely affected by predicted increased temperature, drought, an increase in the number of extreme heat days, and a decrease in summer precipitation.”

Source: Massachusetts Climate Change Adaptation Report, Sept. 2011, MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, p. 42

MRWC’s principal role of watershed stewardship includes engaging local people. Climate change is a complex issue that requires careful and long-term study. MRWC’s approach is to use volunteer monitors to collect weekly stream data, which creates an “eyes and ears” network, while using additional tools to expand the study of stream temperatures. Climate change has the potential to affect the nearly 400 square-mile Millers River watershed. Whatever its causes, long-term monitoring is needed to identify budding impacts and inform stewardship of sensitive areas and species that may need attention. Baseline data, collected over many years, is needed to inform watershed managers and stakeholders of changing stream conditions of concern. In the summer of 2013 MRWC launched a volunteer stream temperature monitoring pilot study to initiate a long-term stream temperature monitoring effort. Volunteers observed general stream conditions and MRWC obtained useful data. The second tier of MRWC’s larger stream temperature monitoring effort utilizes in-situ temperature data loggers. These submerged probes provide temperature sensing and data storage year-round. A more detailed temperature profile can be collected, but less frequent stream visits are done and fewer volunteers engaged. The data is reviewed only a few times per year, but it can be used by researchers for climate modeling analysis. MRWC has determined that a mix of these approaches best serves our mission and has begun to use both. This report focuses on initial volunteer efforts in 2013.

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Approach

MRWC reviewed a MassDEP list of all streams in the watershed and the available data for each to determine the distribution of temperature monitoring sites. The size/area, length, flow, and access to a stream were considered. MRWC also consulted members of the local Millers River Trout Unlimited, TU chapter 725 on potential streams for monitoring. Ultimately, it would be useful to have temperature data from all or most of the named streams in the basin, but this may not be possible on a yearly basis without large numbers of dedicated volunteers. Some streams may not flow adequately in the summer months, so regular monitoring there would have limited value. The pilot temperature monitoring program began as a summer study, when volunteers like to be outside, aquatic species are most active and some species are vulnerable to rising stream temperatures. Winter sampling was not considered safe. It may be possible to expand the sampling season from early April to November in the future. MRWC originally identified a basin-wide distribution of about two dozen streams where volunteer temperature monitoring could be done (Appendix 1), aiming for as broad a distribution of the watershed as possible. The project began with 11 streams. Most of the 2013 streams were in the western portion of the basin. In 2014 we hope to add more mid-watershed and eastern streams. Volunteers were requested to sample their sites about a week apart at a similar time of the day to provide better comparability of the data while offering them some flexibility. MRWC provided NIST traceable digital thermometers and QC’ed them at the CRWC lab with a certified NIST thermometer. MRWC determined that this approach would provide a reliable dataset from which to identify basic temperature issues and trends over time. The data collected by volunteers could also inform the need for employing more technologically-based approaches, such as data loggers.

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Procedures/QC/Equipment

MRWC prepared a volunteer temperature sampling manual containing program information and outlining procedures for stream sampling. Data/field sheets were created for volunteers to record all observations and temperatures. MRWC purchased 10 VWR model DURAC waterproof electronic thermometers that had NIST traceable certification. This means their manufacture and quality control provides assurance of reliable and accurate readings. MRWC further checked the accuracy of these units versus a NIST (National Institute Standards and Technology) certified lab thermometer at the CRWC (Connecticut River Watershed Council) lab at both the beginning and end of the sampling season (Appendix 2). These procedures and QC should ensure that the data generated will be reliable. All volunteers received training on the use and care of the equipment. Each were given a sampling kit that included a thermometer, data forms, clip board, probe string, volunteer manual and float bob. Each volunteer’s probe was also compared to another probe’s readings at some point during the season. The project coordinator duplicated field readings when possible. The basic sampling procedure was as follows:

1. Remove cap from probe, turn on, let stand for 2 min for air temp. 2. Record air temp. 3. Begin filling in field sheet and season record information. 4. Be sure probe is secured to tether, then lower into flowing water. 5. Let probe stand in flow with tip at least 2 inches submerged for 2-3 min. 6. Record water temp. 7. Complete field sheet and season record for the day. 8. Clean probe, secure cap on probe.

Safety was always a high priority. If stream flows were too high, volunteers were instructed not to jeopardize their safety. Volunteers began recording data during June 2013 and sampled till the end of September 2013. Data was handed in periodically to the coordinator and finally at the end of the season. The project coordinator then assembled the data onto excel spreadsheets to chart the results and trends for analysis.

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2013 Sampling Sites

Listed below are the streams and sites sampled, followed by a map of their location within the watershed.

Table 1: 2013 Temperature Streams

Stream Sample Location

Whetstone Bk ¾ mile up Kempfield Rd from Wendell Depot

Osgood Bk @ lowest crossing on Wendell Depot Rd, Wendell

Moss Bk Along Moss Bk Rd @ town line, Orange/Warwick

West Bk @ East Rd crossing, Orange

Orcott Bk @ Rt 2A crossing, upstream, Orange

upper Keyup Bk @ Park entrance: Swamp/Laurel Lake Rd, Erving

lower Keyup-near Millers Below Rt 2 @ old bridge, Arch St, Erving

Jacks Bk @ North St crossing, Erving

Mormon Hollow Bk @ Mormon Hollow Bk Rd crossing, Wendell

Templeton Bk @ Shady Ln/Pitcherville Rd crossing, Hubbardston

upper Beaver Bk @ Carruth Rd near Rt 2/2A, Phillipston

Kendall Bk @ Carruth Rd near Rt 2/2A, Phillipston

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Map 1: 2013 Sampling Site Map/Sites

The western watershed was well-represented in 2013. For 2014, we will need more volunteers from the eastern and northern parts of the watershed.

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Results: Data

Data for each stream is presented on the specific stream page. A summary graph

for all streams is presented below (and again in the appendices). All temperatures are in

Centigrade.

20 degree C cold water fishery threshold (CWF) (MassDEP water quality standard)

Millers River at South Royalston is the top most curve. (light rust color)

Peak summer temperatures were in late June through mid-July with a small second spike near the end of

August/first week of September (remember the brief heat wave?).

Note the similar curve profiles for the stream data. This indicates data comparability

and consistency.

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Whetstone Brook:

This Brook is located primarily in Wendell and has a relatively protected watershed, being part of the Wendell State Forest and with large tracts in an Audubon Sanctuary. It flows north into the Millers River.

2013 Sampling Data in degrees Celsius

sample

week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/13 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22

Whetstone 13.7 14.7 19.4 19.4 20 20 17 16.6 15.1 14.3 15.4 16.9 15.6 18 11.7 10

Maximum 2013 temperature was 20 degrees C.

Average June through September was 16.1 C.

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Whetstone Brook

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Osgood Brook:

This brook rises just south of Wendell Center and flows northeast, parts lie within

the Wendell State Forest.

2013 Sampling Data

sample

week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22

Osgood 16.1 17.2 20.9 22.8 21.2 20.5 19 17.8 16 15.4 16.2 17.5 16 18 12.5 11

Maximum 2013 temperature was 22.8 C.

Average of June through September was 17.4 C.

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Osgood Brook

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Moss Brook

This brook rises in Warwick and flows south to the Millers River, party through

the Erving State Forest.

2013 Data

sampling

week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22

Moss 15.4 15.4 21.5 23.4 22.2 20.5 19.5 18.5 16.6 16.4 18 19 17.5 19.2 13.2 11.2

Maximum 2013 temperature was 23.4 C.

Average June through September temperature was 17.97 C.

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Moss Brook

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West Brook

This brook rises in north Orange and flows south to the Millers River largely through private, but undeveloped lands (sample site). It crosses Rt 2A where the area becomes more developed. Sampling could also be done in the future lower nearer the confluence.

2013 Data

sampling

week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/23 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22

West 15.6 18 21.2 22.8 21.4 20 18.3 19 16.8 17 18 19.7 17.3 19.6 13.5 13

Maximum 2013 temperature was 22.8 C.

Average temperature June through September was 18.2 C.

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West Brook

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Orcott Brook

This brook rises in Warwick and flows into the Millers River in west Orange.

2013 Data

sampling

week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22

Orcott 15.1 17 19.8 20.5 22 22.5 23.3 21.2 19.1 19.4 20.1 20.9 17.4 19.7 12.6 12.3

Maximum 2013 temperature was 23.3 C.

Average temperature June through September was 18.6 C.

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Orcott Brook

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Keyup & Jacks Brooks

These brooks originate in south Northfield, meet about a mile north of Erving Center to become Keyup Brook, then flow into the Millers River. Both are largely rural with only the lower Keyup in somewhat urban Erving Center. 2013 Data

sampling week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22

upper Keyup

15.1 12 13.2 13.4 19 19.4 20.3 19.6 17.7 15 16 16 20 15.1 11.6 10.9

lower Keyup

13.7 13 18.1 18.6 19.6 20.7 19.6 18.1 16 17 18.5 19.9 16.4 11.9 11.2

Jacks 13.6 12.6 12.2 17 17.5 18.2 19 18.6 17.1 15.4 16.3 16.3 18.8 14.4 12 10.2

The maximum temperatures for 2013 were as follows: Upper Keyup: 20.3 C. Jacks: 19 C. Lower Keyup-near Millers: 20.7 C. Averages were: Upper Keyup: 15.9 C. Jacks: 15.6 C. Lower Keyup-near Millers: 16.8 C.

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Keyup & Jacks Brooks

Jacks - brown L Keyup - blue U Keyup - Purple

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Mormon Hollow Brook

This brook flows from Wendell Center northwest through parts of the state forest

to meet the Millers River. A road follows alongside much of the way.

2013 Data

sampling

week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22

Mormon

Hollow bk

14 12.4 12.1 18.4 19.1 19.6 19.7 16.8 15 15.7 16.2 17.7 18.7 14.8 11.6 10.2

Maximum temperature for 2013 was 19.7 C.

Average temperature June through September was 15.75 C.

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Mormon Hollow Brook

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Eastern Streams Templeton, Upper Beaver, Kendall Brooks Data collection for these streams had a few dates which were unable to be met, but there is still useful data to review. Kendall meets another stream to form Beaver Brook near the Route 2 interchange in Phillipston, the two sites were close together. Templeton Brook flows north out of southeast Templeton and crosses the northern edge of Hubbardston before it meets the Otter River. Many of these temperatures were taken in the afternoon. Templeton’s high was 18.8 C and averaged around 16.2 C, its temperatures look steady. 2013 data

sampling week 6/2 6/30 7/1 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/15 9/22 9/29

Templeton 18.3 18.4 18.5 17.4 17.7 18.8 14.2 14 14.3 10.3

upper Beaver 26.3 24.4 25 15.6 17 21.7 15.7 14.7 15.6 12.5

Kendall 25.7 26.6 27.3 17.6 18.4 22.3 17.7 16.1 17 13.4

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Templeton - green Kendall - blue Beaver - purple

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Millers River @ S Royalston

The USGS maintains year round temperature monitoring at its flow gage in partnership with the USACoE/Birch Hill Dam at South Royalston. Millers River temperatures for the same time frame as collected at other sites by MRWC volunteers, taken mid-week at 12 noon, are presented below:

sampling

week

6/9 6/16 6/23 6/30 7/7 7/14 7/21 7/28 8/4 8/11 8/18 8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29

Millers-S

Royalston

17.1 17.5 22.2 23 25.8 24.5 26.4 23.3 21.55 20.7 20.9 21.1 22.1 18.3 16.7 17.63 14.9

Main stem temperatures are higher than sample streams.

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Millers River @ South Royalston

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Data interpretation

Temperature: A review of the data shows a consistent profile for the sampled streams: a noticeable temperature rise in late June, peaking through July, then cooling off in August. The composite graph overlaps all stream data and shows that July was the warmest month for stream and river temperatures. A second, shorter rise took place in late August/early September when the area encountered a brief heat wave, which lasted a week. September also saw the lowest flow levels of the sampling season. Precipitation/Flow: June was a wet month with nearly double the normal rain fall (as measured at Quabbin HQ, Belchertown MA), and with July rain fall also higher than normal this led to stream flows remaining high till late August. MRWC is uncertain if this rainfall had any effect on the temperature profile. As this is the first year of a long-term study, this season’s data will need to be compared with subsequent seasons. Cold Water Fisheries: Mass Fish & Wildlife has designated that a cold water fishery (CWF) exists where stream temperatures are typically under 20 degree C (68 F). Fish such as trout thrive only in CWF conditions. Bass and pan fish do well in warmer streams. Of the 11 streams sampled in Summer 2013, five seem to be have met the CWF threshold, four streams were borderline due to warm July temperatures, and 2 seem clearly to not be CWF. The borderline streams may support CWF where fish can find cold seeps to shelter in during brief warm spells.

This is the first year of our effort and it begins a baseline of study. MRWC could contact MassDEP to obtain historical stream temperature data from past years as a means of further comparison and baseline expansion. For climate change evaluation, older data and more future data will be needed.

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Multi-Location Stream Temperature Monitoring

Of the 11 streams whose temperature was recorded weekly at the same location by volunteers in 2013, three were also sampled on a very limited basis at additional locations on the same day or week. This was done to get a sense of temperature variations as a stream flows downstream. Does a stream flow warmer or colder or stay the same as it moves downstream? The snapshot provided by the results below may be used to inform a more detailed study. The three streams are Whetstone Brook (New Salem/Wendell), Moss Brook (Warwick/Erving/Orange) and Osgood Brook (Wendell). They are all located in the western half of the watershed in Franklin County.

Whetstone Brook

MRWC conducted a stream crossing survey in late June and early July in the

Whetstone watershed which afforded an opportunity to collect stream temperature data

along the main stem and a few small tributary streams. The Whetstone begins in a

wetland complex near the border of New Salem and east Wendell and flows north

towards the Millers. The map below notes sampling sites and observations.

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Whetstone Temperature sites…N to S

1. Wendell Depot Rd x-ing

a. Temperatures matched site 2

2. Kempfield Rd (3/4 mi upstream)

a. Regular summer site

b. 6/26/13 = 19.4 C

c. 7/7/13 = 20.0 C

d. 9/20/13 = 11.7 C

3. Small trib x-ing along Kemfield

a. Temp 6/26/13 = 15.4 C

4. 2nd small trib (larger) along Kempfield

a. Temp 7/3/13 = 15.4 C

5. Small footbridge off Kempfield

a. Temp 7/3/13 = 20.1 C

6. Site of old F&W study control dam

7. Small bridge crossing

a. Temp 7/3/13 = 21.5 C

8. Morse Village Rd x-ing main stem

a. Temp 6/26/13 = 24.1 C

b. Temp 9/20/13 = 16.5 C

9. Small trib along Morse Village Rd

a. Temp 6/26/13 = 16.0 C

Temperature appears warmer near wetland

based headwaters and cools as it flows north

towards Millers River. Temperatures seem to

cool by 4-5 degree C! Tributaries are all much

cooler and perhaps groundwater also may

contribute to this observation. North of site 7,

the watershed is very wooded and gradient

increases.

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Moss Brook

There are a number of road crossings which aided in checking multiple stream sites. Moss flows south from Warwick and is a combination of Moss and Darling Brooks. Both headwaters begin in a wetland complex. Three sites were checked during the

season.

1. Town Line along Moss Brook

Rd was the main site.

a. 7/9/13 = 22.2 C

b. 7/25/13 = 19.5 C

c. 9/12/13 = 19.2 C

d. 9/20/13 = 13.2 C

2. North of main site at major

road crossing

a. 7/9/13 = 23.0 C

b. 9/12/13 = 19.4 C

c. 9/20/13 = 13.5 C

3. Rt 2A crossing further south.

a. 7/9/13 = 21.8 C

b. 7/25/13 = 19.5 C

c. 9/20/13 = 13.2 C

Sites were about ½ and 1 mile apart. Again, though less obvious, temperatures cool as Moss Brook flows through the wooded area below its wetland headwaters towards the

Millers River.

Osgood Brook

A much smaller snap shot was taken for this stream. On 9/20/13 the sample was taken at both the Wendell Depot Rd crossing as usual with a second taken about a mile or so further upstream where the brook crosses the New Salem Rd. This second site is just below a large ponded area of Osgood Brook. Wendell Depot Rd read 12.5 C whereas A much smaller snapshot was taken for this stream. On 9/20/13 temperature was measured at both the regular Wendell Depot Road crossing and at a second site about a mile or so further upstream where the brook crosses New Salem Road. This second site

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is just below a large ponded area of Osgood Brook. On that day the Wendell Depot Road site read 12.5 C, compared to 14.6 C at New Salem Road. Again, a general cooling effect appears evident as the stream flows downstream through a wooded area with gradient. Summary: While limited, the information presented in this section makes a strong case that streams can turn cooler as they flow downstream through a wooded, undisturbed area, following a wetland or impounded area. This seems logical, as standing or slowly flowing water in an open area receives more direct thermal radiation from the sun during the warmer months than faster flowing water shaded by vegetation. It may prove useful to expand this type of study on these and other streams to see if and how this observation can vary or change from stream to stream and what conditions may contribute to any observations.

Evaluation and Future Efforts

This pilot phase showed that a viable volunteer temperature monitoring program is possible. Activities were well organized by the project coordinator. Volunteers provided consistent and useful information. This kind of grassroots monitoring effort is an excellent way to engage volunteers and obtain regular observations of stream conditions besides temperatures. Building and maintaining a volunteer base that can function as the “eyes and ears” of the watershed is an ongoing MRWC goal. MRWC plans to continue volunteer temperature monitoring at these same streams, and where possible add new streams--particularly in the eastern and northern sections of the watershed. For 2014, MRWC hopes to add 6-10 new streams, and will be seeking additional volunteers. Deployed data logger program

MRWC in late 2013 entered into a partnership with UMass-Amherst and the NorEast Climate Monitoring Network on a long-term temperature survey utilizing deployed temperature data loggers. A data logger is a battery-operated and waterproof probe that reads and records temperatures at programmed time intervals. Once or twice a year, the digital data from these probes will be retrieved by MRWC, shared with the watershed community and entered into a national database. Such data is useful for climate modeling and long-term trend review.

Staff and volunteers deployed probes on 18 streams across the watershed in the fall of 2013--see Map below. MRWC anticipates performing the first round of data downloads in Fall 2014. Volunteers are needed to visit data logger sites for routine inspections, and when necessary to help staff with downloading and battery replacement.

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Late 2013 deployed temperature probe sites

Additional

At some point, after generating more watershed-wide baseline data, and reviewing manpower resources, MRWC may take a more cyclical approach to temperature monitoring, perhaps alternating streams every other year to keep expanding the database and assessing watershed health. MRWC may also contact MassDEP and Mass F&W to obtain their historic stream temperature data as a means of further comparison and baseline expansion. For the most robust climate change evaluation, older data can be of great value.

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Appendices

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Appendix 1

Target Temperature Sampling Streams Sites

Stream Access

Upper Millers River

Otter River @ Confluence with Millers River Old RR bed in ORSF

Tarbell Bk Royalston Rd North-Winchendon

Templeton Bk Pitcherville Rd-Hubbardston

Bailey Bk Rt 68-Bridge st

Upper Millers River Rt 12 crossing/Winchendon-Ashburnham

Priest Bk

Beaver Bk Birch HilDam Rd or Sportmans Club Rd

Bearsden Area

Thousand Acre Bk 2A headwaters & Willis Rd or S Royalston Rd?

Buckmans Bk Q-M trail?

Middle Millers River

Tully River Confluence at Upper Cass Meadow

Lawrence Bk TBD

Boyce Bk TBD

Mill Bk

West Bk Brookside Rd & East Rd

Lake Rohunta Area

Ellinwood Bk S Athol Rd

Riceville Bk S Athol Rd

Lower Middle Millers River

Orcutt Bk At confluence/2A or Rt 78

Moss Bk at confluence/2A or up Wendell Rd

Whetstone Bk crossing up Kempfield Rd

Osgood Bk Depot Rd crossing near confluence

Lower Millers River

Jacks Bk North Rd crossing

Keyup Bk Laurel Lake Rd crossing and In town Erving

Mormon Hollow Bk lowest Morman Hollow rd xing

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Appendix 2

MRWC Thermometer Quality Check Report 2013

Pre-season check Date: 5-22-13 QC used: CRWC lab NIST QC by: K Davies Probe ID Probe temp Nist Temp Probe temp2 Nist temp2 Notes

T-1 72.5 22.6/72.7 53 10.9/51.7 pass T-3 72.5 22.6/72.7 53 10.9/51.7 pass T-4 72.5 22.6/72.7 53 10.9/51.7 pass T-5 22.5 22.6/72.7 11.1 10.9/51.7 pass T-6 72.4 22.6/72.7 52 10.9/51.7 pass T-11 72.0 22.6/72.7 52 10.9/51.7 pass D-14052 23.0 22.6 11.5 10.9 pass D-14056 22.5 22.6 11.2 10.9 pass D-20480 22.7 22.6 11.5 10.9 pass D-20473 22.7 22.6 11.4 10.9 pass D-20448 22.5 22.6 11.2 10.9 pass Post-season check Date: 12/3/13 QC used: CRWC lab NIST QC by: K Davies Probe ID Probe temp Nist Temp Probe temp2 Nist temp2 Notes

T-1 67 19.6/67.3 37 3/37.4 pass T-3 67 19.6/67.3 37 3/37.4 pass T-4 67 19.6/67.3 37 3/37.4 pass T-5 19.5/67 19.6/67.3 3/37 3/37.4 pass T-6 67 19.6/67.3 37 3/37.4 pass T-11 67 19.6/67.3 37 3/37.4 pass D-14052 20 19.6 3.3 3 pass D-14056 19.7 19.6 3.0 3 pass D-20480 19.9 19.6 3.0 3 pass D-20473 19.8 19.6 3.0 3 pass D-20448 19.7 19.6 3.1 3 pass All Temps C/F, T= spirit thermometers, D= digital thermometers QC limit per QAPP = 1 deg C precision, 0.5 deg C accuracy Stream Temperature Study used Digital Thermometers.

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Appendix 3

2013 Summer Weather Notes

Quabbin Visitors Center, Belchertown, MA

May Rain = 6.04 inches

Air Temperature = 70.7 average max, peak 91, low 33 F

June Rain = 8.16” (most fell in first half of month)

Air Temperature = 76.4 ave max, peak 92, low 46 F

July Rain = 5.61”

Air Temperature = 83.45 ave max, peak 94, low 56 F

Mid July had a week in the 90s

Aug Rain = 5.48”

Air Temperature = 78.13 ave max, peak 86, low 47 F

Sep Rain = 4.13”

Air Temperature = 71.3 ave max, peak 90, low 38 F

Monthly average rainfall in central MA is just over 4 inches

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Appendix 4

Maximum daily air temperatures, Quabbin Visitors Center, Belchertown, 2013