“ The Role of Observer Variation in Determining Rosgen Stream Types in Northeastern Oregon Mountain Streams

The concept of testing the stream classification procedure with field data collected by a group of independent field crews is encouraged by this author and can be beneficial. However, regardless of which classification system is being tested, the protocols and procedures specific to the classification system must be followed. This discussion demonstrates that the Rosgen classification system was not applied properly in the Roper et al. study as nonstandard protocols and inconsistent measurements were used among the various crews. Field data derived from operational protocols that are inconsistent amongst observer groups will inevitably produce conflicting results. Variability and inconsistency in the application of the Rosgen classification system does not support the conclusion that the classification itself is flawed.