Friends of the Shenandoah River

Fosr maintains operates & funds a va deq level iii long-term volunteer citizen scientist water-quality monitoring program that includes in-house analysis of the water samples. Currently, the program encompasses routine sampling at 99 sites through 8 counties, 59 watersheds, and a drainage area of nearly 3,000 square miles of the Shenandoah River watershed. the water samples are collected by a team of 42 dedicated volunteer citizen-scientists who are trained & certified by the fosrs laboratory staff following va deq approved standard operating procedures.

the fosr actively responds to citizens, communities, and local governments concerns related to water-quality issues. the fosr does this by providing an assessment of the issue, water-quality testing, support in the development and implementation of a monitoring plan and acts as a liaison to bring parties to the table to assist in addressing and resolving the issues of concern. Fosr provided guidance and assistance to others in developing and implementation water-quality monitoring project(s). Continued to strengthen community ties and encourage good stewardship practices through partnerships, educational projects, and presentations to the local community. Fosr provided(2) environmental science education programs for k-12 students; (5) for adults outreach programs related to water quality and good stewardship; and (5) internship/mentorship programs for students pursuing and interested in limnology.

Fosrs annual summer e.coli testing program at public access & recreational sites on the Shenandoah River. the goal of this program is to provide frequent, real-time accredited e.coli concentration results for River recreation users to make an informed decision about potential associated health risks when recreating in the areas of the River tested. This program includes 14 heavily utilitized public access & recreational sites on the Shenandoah River located in clarke, warren, page & Shenandoah counties & a site located in frederick county on the opequon creek. the weekly quantitative e.coli concentration results are available to the public on both the fosr website & facebook page.