U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceThe Sediment Risk Index (SRI) was developed as a model for prioritizing stream crossings (SCs) in the Choctawhatchee watershed within southeast Alabama from 2006 to 2007. Over seventy-three variables were collected from SCs including information on waterway conditions, crossing structures, road approaches, and roadside soil erosion features that promote sediment delivery. These findings were summarized into a 12-metric index (the SRI), modeled after Karr's Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for fish and other assemblages (Karr, 1981). The goal of condensing SC data into an index was to reduce the time and manpower investment of collecting data. Each metric of the SRI is standardized with scores 1 (most-impacted), 3 (moderately-impacted), or 5 (least-impacted) (Stewart et al., 2006) The scores for the 12 metrics are summed into a single SRI value ranging from 12 to 60, which is used for determining site rank and condition. We are now applying the SRI and Stream Crossing Rapid Assessment Protocol (SCA) across the state of Alabama and in surrounding states at high priority restoration areas referred to as Strategic Habitat AND River Reach Units (SHU and SRRU) This protocol has been developed in collaboration with the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP). SARP is a regional collaboration of natural resource and science agencies, conservation organizations and private interests developed to strengthen the management and conservation of aquatic resources in the southeastern United States. In partnership with American Rivers, SARP developed the Southeast Aquatic Connectivity Program to improve aquatic connectivity in the Southeast. With partners, SARP implements the three components of the Aquatic Connectivity Program: inventory, prioritization, and Aquatic Connectivity Teams. Components of SARPs crossing evaluation methodology have been incorporated into the protocol described in this manual. For additional information please see SARP's Aquatic Connectivity Program at their website https://southeastaquatics.net/sarps-programs/aquatic-connectivity-program-act. The SCA may be used within the context of watershed management plans to create a priority listing of SCs and focus resources on the most impacted sites. The SRI may also be used in conjunction with other data collection methods to create comprehensive monitoring plans. Site evaluations with the SCA can also be used independently to target SCs, gauge BMPs, or assess trends.ArcGIS FeatureLayerhttps://hub.arcgis.com/datasets/529c369762f5479f94d874538b6667d1_0engU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Open DataPublicStream Crossing Rapid Assessment Protocol (SCA) Surveys [United States]Web servicesUnited StatesLast Modified: 2026-01-07