SIERRA STREAMS INSTITUTE

Sierra Streams Institute is engaged in research in all aspects of watershed science, in an effort to expand our understanding of how to protect and improve watershed and human health. We undertake studies, publish papers, present at conferences, and share data with universities and agencies. Published reports and data spreadsheets are available on our website.
One of our current research efforts involves establishing the foundations for using algae as a bioindicator of stream health. We are also embarking on research into the human health impacts of residence in Gold Country.

Watersheds throughout the Sierra Nevada have suffered impacts to their health, water quality and ecological function as a result of gold mining, residential development, road building, agriculture, diversions, and other activities. Our restoration programs are aimed at correcting these problems, with efforts that include the following: abandoned mine remediation, salmon habitat restoration, invasive non-native species removal, restoration of native vegetation, geomorphological restoration, and integration of traditional native practices.
Our work is focused in the Sierra Nevada, with the goal of increasing stakeholder participation in the restoration process. We have undertaken extensive restoration efforts in our home watershed of Deer Creek, with a focus on salmon habitat restoration and abandoned mine remediation.

Sierra Streams Institute has a comprehensive laboratory services program offering various analyses at low cost and in a timely manner to other organizations and agencies. Our services include water quality monitoring, chemical assays, benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and identification, and analysis of mercury and other heavy metals. Duplicate sampling by local and state government laboratories in the course of several collaborative studies has confirmed the validity and consistent reliability of our laboratory data.