WiseH2O App Project:
National Trout Unlimited is placing a high priority on Community Science and the benefits it provides for angler education and coldwater resource management. Trout Unlimited’s national science team partnered with MobileH2O, LLC to develop a customized mobile application (WiseH2O App) that can be used by anglers to monitor water quality and habitat conditions in Driftless Area trout streams. In 2019, Kiap-TU-Wish anglers participated in a successful WiseH2O App pilot project. The MobileH2O website: https://www.mobileh2o.com/anglerscience provides access to the Kiap-TU-Wish monitoring plan, the 2019 pilot project report, and an interactive map that enables viewing of all 2019 Kiap-TU-Wish WiseH2O App observations. COVID-19 and development of the iPhone version of the WiseH2O App delayed the start of the 2020 monitoring season until early August. Although the 2020 monitoring season was short, we are pleased to report that the iPhone version of the App is available, and the 2-in-1 test strips can be used to measure nitrite/nitrate concentrations. The App also has an updated look, with user-friendly educational messaging. Given the success of the 2019 Kiap-TU-Wish pilot project, and with further App improvements in 2020, WiseH2O App monitoring expanded to the entire Driftless Area (southwestern WI, southeastern MN, northeastern IA, and northwestern IL) in August 2020. Besides Kiap-TU-Wish, 14 additional Trout Unlimited chapters now have an opportunity to monitor our regional coldwater resources.
Those who are interested in WiseH2O App monitoring in 2021 can take the following steps:
- Download the WiseH2O App: Android and iPhone versions of the WiseH2O App are available for free download at the Google Play Store and Apple Store (search WiseH2O). Instructions for downloading the WiseH2O App can be found in the WiseH20 App User Guide, located on the MobileH2O website: https://www.mobileh2o.com/mh2oapp.
- Complete On-Line Training: Detailed on-line instructions for use of the WiseH2O App can be found in the WiseH20 App User Guide and the Video Tutorial for Using the WiseH2O App, both located on the MobileH2O website: https://www.mobileh2o.com/mh2oapp.
- Obtain Water Chemistry Test Kits: Depending on each participant’s level of interest and desired extent of involvement with water chemistry monitoring, 3 types of test kits are available. These three test kits can be ordered directly from MobileH2O, at: https://www.mobileh2o.com/shop. A reliable thermometer for WiseH2O App temperature measurements can also be purchased at: https://www.mobileh2o.com/shop.
For more information on the Driftless Area project, please contact Kent Johnson at d.kent.johnson@gmail.com.
Key interfaces for the WiseH2O App
A. Base Map
B. Observation Entry
C. Observation Data
D. Results Map
Submitted by John Kaplan and Kent Johnson March 8, 2021
