BAGS: Bedload Assessment in Gravel-bedded Streams (Read me first file)

Please note:
The BAGS program may need to be updated periodically as new features or system changes 
occur.  Users are therefore encouraged to periodically check the download sites for the latest 
updates.

1.	Download Information
The BAGS program, this manual, and a sediment transport primer (Wilcock and others 2009) 
can be downloaded from the Stream Systems Technology Center: 
http://www.stream.fs.fed.us/publications/software.html.
It can also be downloaded from the Rocky Mountain Research Station: 
http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_gtr223.html 

2.	Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) listing is maintained by the Stream Systems Technology 
Center at: http://www.stream.fs.fed.us/publications/bagsfaq.html
Check it for the latest update information and for solutions to common problems before 
requesting technical support.  Macros need to be enabled in Excel for the program to function 
properly.  See the information below for enabling macros in Excel 2007.

3.	Technical Support
BAGS is supported by, and limited technical support is available from, the U.S. Forest Service, 
Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air, & Rare Plants Staff, Streams Systems Technology Center, Fort 
Collins, CO. The preferred method of contact for obtaining support is to send an e-mail to 
rmrs_stream@fs.fed.us requesting “BAGS Support” in the subject line.
U.S. Forest Service 
Rocky Mountain Research Station
Stream Systems Technology Center
2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. A, Suite 368
Fort Collins, CO 80526-1891
(970) 295-5986

4.	Enabling Macros in Excel 2007
BAGS runs within Microsoft Excel and calculations are carried out using Visual Basic for 
Applications (VBA).  Users of Excel 2007 may see an error message indicating that macros 
have been disabled.  This is the default setting for Forest Service installations of Excel 2007. To 
enable macros, open Excel 2007, follow the steps listed below, and then you should be able to 
run the BAGS program.

How to: Enable Macros in Excel 2007. 

Solution Open the Microsoft Excel workbook. Click the 'Microsoft Office' button. Click the 
'Excel Options' button. In the left pane, click 'Trust Center'. Click the 'Trust Center Settings' 
button. In the 'Macro Settings' section, select the 'Enable all macros' option. Click 'OK'. Click 
'OK'.

Details

Microsoft Excel 2007 enables you to work with macros.  Macros are a series of commands 
defined to perform certain actions.  They are used to automate frequently used tasks. The 
macro signed by the developer with a digital signature is considered as authentic. If the trust 
center detects a problem with the digital signature, you get a notification message of an unsafe 
macro and the macro is disabled. Additionally, if you want to work with required macros you 
need to enable them. 
To enable macros: 
1) Open the Microsoft Excel workbook. 
2) Click the 'Microsoft Office' button. 
3) Click the 'Excel Options' button. (The 'Excel Options' dialog box appears at the bottom 
of the Home menu window.)
4) In the left pane, click 'Trust Center'. 
5) Click the 'Trust Center Settings' button. (The 'Trust Center Settings' dialog box appears 
on the far right side of the box) 
6) Click on 'Macro Settings' in the left panel, and select the 'Enable all macros' option. 
7) Click 'OK'. 
8) Click 'OK'.