This technical reference outlines the concept, development, and applications of the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Frameworkâa standardized approach for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to quantitatively monitor and assess the condition of aquatic systems on BLM-administered public lands. Through standardizing the means by which data are collected and analyzed, this framework integrates both local- and regional-scale aquatic monitoring activities to more effectively inform BLM management decisions, planning activities, and, thus, the maintenance or improvement of resource conditions on public lands. The initial application of the framework is the development of 11 core indicators for wadeable perennial streams and rivers characterizing water quality (acidity, conductivity, temperature), watershed function and instream habitat quality (pool dimensions, streambed particle sizes, bank stability and cover, floodplain connectivity, large woody debris), and biodiversity and riparian habitat quality (macroinvertebrate biological integrity; canopy cover; vegetative type, cover, and structure). The core indicators are complemented by a set of contingent indicators (e.g., nutrients; suspended sediment; bank angle; vegetative cover, composition, and structure) to address more specific management questions, as well as covariates to help determine the potential of a stream or river to support a set of water quality, geomorphic, or biological conditions. This framework was designed to characterize aquatic conditions at all scales but will initially be implemented at the land use plan, state, and ecoregional scales.