Task 1. Compile information on streamgaging stations operated by organizations other than the USGS.

1.1 Task Force members contact assigned organizations and determine whether they operate daily streamgaging stations. For each station or group of stations, determine whether the data are available in an electronic form. Also determine the quality of the data or whether the data quality is documented.

Organizations to be contacted are:

Agricultural Research Service

Forest Service

Bureau of Reclamation

Tennessee Valley Authority

National Weather Service

Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Environmental Protection Agency

Bureau of Land Management

Corps of Engineers

State resource and environmental agencies

Universities

Others

1.2 Classify the streamflow data into four categories: a. Available in electronic form and documented data quality b. Not available in electronic form, documented data quality c. Not available in electronic form, data quality not documented. d. Available in electronic form, data quality not documented

1.3 Obtain meta data for each streamgaging station Unique station code (<= 15 characters)
Station name
Latitude and longitude
Drainage area
Years the station was active
Telemetry available

1.4 Enter data in the USGS network evaluation too

Task 2. Identify all goals of a National streamgaging network

2.1 Task Force review goals identified by the ICWP and USGS and modify as appropriate.

2.2 Test the goals with groups of streamflow information users in four locations representing the diversity of available water resources and water uses (USGS regions?).

2.3 Submit final set of nationwide goals to the ACWI for approval.

2.4 Develop metrics for any new goals and add the information to the USGS network evaluation tool.

2.5 Assign priority of goals.

Task 3. Define an optimal nationwide streamgaging network

3.1 Modify the USGS network evaluation tool to account for the full suite of Federal and non-Federal goals.

3.2 Use the network evaluation tool to assess the existing network of stations with data available in electronic form and identify redundancies and deficiencies.

3.3 Define an optimal nationwide network

3.4 Test the optimal nationwide network with groups of data users from the four USGS regions.

3.5 Refine network and make recommendation to the ACWI

3.6 Establish timeframe for implementing the network, staged on satisfying goals in priority order.

Task 4. Determine additional stations needed for an optimal streamgaging network.

4.1 Identify Class B. C and D streamgaging stations that may be appropriate for the optimal streamgaging network.

4.2 Determine requirements for upgrading stations to Class A stations

4.3 Determine approximate locations for other stations needed to fulfill the optimal network

Task 5. Recommend funding responsibilities

5.1 Review the funding responsibilities recommended by the ICWP.

5.2 Prepare draft recommendations.

5.3 Distribute recommendations for comment by major water information users.

5.4 Present recommendations for funding responsibilities to the ACWI.

Task 6. Prepare final report

6.1 Solicit feedback from ACWI on the optimal network and funding recommendations.

6.2 Prepare final report of Task Force that summarizes the evaluation process, the optimal network and related recommendations.

6.3 Prepare a report distribution plan.