Evaluation of Stream Quality in the Greater Yellowstone Network using Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities

An aquatic benthic macroinvertebrate inventory took place in 2002 in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park through the Greater Yellowstone Network Vital Signs Monitoring Program. Specific objectives for this inventory were to: 1) collect aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates using protocols established by Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality’s Beneficial Use Reconnaissance for water quality monitoring; 2) assess stream habitat; 3) collect synoptic water quality information; and 4) use aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates to evaluate stream health. The results of this project provide a snapshot of stream condition using aquatic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators.