Stream Habitat Evaluation Training Courses

The training courses will be held in two parts that include lecture and field training. The lecture component consists of online training using Microsoft Teams^®. Field training is held at various locations in Northeast Ohio.

Both courses are taught by Mr. Paul Anderson, an experienced aquatic biologist who has over 39 years of professional experience, including 18 years of experience as a field biologist with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Division of Surface Water. Paul is qualified as a Trainer for Stream Habitat Assessment using the QHEI and for Fish Community Biology through the Ohio EPA Credible Data Program.

The course cost is $525 per student. See the upcoming training sessions, additional course information, and registration form below for more details.

QUALITATIVE HABITAT EVALUATION INDEX (QHEI) TRAINING

If interested in this course, please fill out the contact form below.

QHEI Training Session One:

Day One Online Presentation:

August 2, 2023, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm

Day Two Field Training and Level 2 Qualified Data Collector (QDC) Testing:

August 3, 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Locations:

Allardale Park (Medina County Park District)

Furnace Run Metro Park (Summit Metro Parks)

O’Neil Woods Metro Park (Summit Metro Parks)

Backup Field Date: August 9, 2023

QHEI Training Session Two:

Day One Online Presentation:

September 6, 2023, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm

Day Two Field Training and Level 2 Qualified Data Collector (QDC) Testing:

September 7, 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Locations:

Allardale Park (Medina County Park District)

Furnace Run Metro Park (Summit Metro Parks)

O’Neil Woods Metro Park (Summit Metro Parks)

Backup Field Date: September 13, 2023

HEADWATER HABITAT EVALUATION INDEX (HHEI) TRAINING

If interested in this course, please fill out the contact form below. 

HHEI Training Session One:

Day One Online Presentation:

August 29, 2023, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Day Two Field Training and Introduction to Primary Headwater Biology:

August 30, 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Locations:

West Branch State Park (Portage County, State of Ohio)

Backup Field Date: September 12, 2023

HHEI Training Session Two:

Day One Online Presentation:

October 17, 2023, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Day Two Field Training and Introduction to Primary Headwater Biology:

October 18, 2023, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Locations:

West Branch State Park (Portage County, State of Ohio)

Backup Field Date: October 24, 2023

For more information on these or other upcoming courses, contact Paul Anderson at: paul@springfromthesource.com.

Please note that for clients who need training for multiple students, courses can be brought to your location. Contact Paul for more information and a quote.

Training Course Information

Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) Training

The Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index, or QHEI, is a visual observation methodology developed by the Ohio EPA for assessing the ability of stream ecosystems to support well-balanced fish communities. The QHEI is a crucial data component for assessing streams under the Ohio EPA biological water quality criteria system. The index uses a series of six metrics to assign a score for the habitat quality concerning this context. The overall score and results of observation for several sub-metrics can then be interpreted to evaluate habitat-related issues that may govern fish community structure and to compare sites with one another using a standardized assessment method.

Training for the use of the QHEI is provided by EnviroScience to familiarize field scientists and others interested in conducting stream ecological and habitat assessments with the use of the method. The two-day training course includes both classroom and field instruction in the use of the Ohio EPA QHEI manual for conducting field assessments using the index. The training course meets the Ohio EPA criteria for the Credible Data Program to qualify as a Level 2 Credible Data Collector (QDC). Testing is provided at the end of the training through the scoring of a site that has also been scored by a qualified instructor.

Upon successful completion of the course, trainees may apply for Level 2 QDC status or evaluate stream sites designated by Ohio EPA to achieve Level 3 QDC status. Completion of the QHEI training is also a required component to receive Level 3 QDC status for macroinvertebrate or fish community biology.

Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI) Training

The Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index, or HHEI, was developed by Ohio EPA as a critical component in the assessment of small headwater streams, typically with drainage areas less than 1 square mile (640 acres). These small streams are referred to as Primary Headwater (PHW) streams. These streams have different biological characteristics than larger streams and rivers and often cannot achieve attainment of the Ohio EPA biological water quality criteria, even in unimpacted conditions. This is the result of a smaller stream size, which produces a unique ecological condition where fish communities become simplified and where salamanders can replace fish as the dominant vertebrate fauna.

Physical habitat characteristics for these PHW streams are assessed using the HHEI, a three-metric index, which replaces the use of the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). The scoring results for assessments using HHEI can be used to predict the characteristics of the fauna of these PHW streams.

The two-day HHEI training course consists of several classroom presentations followed by 8-10 hours of fieldwork at headwater stream sites. The classroom portion of the course includes instruction regarding the ecology of PHW streams, the PHW biological classification system, the development and use of the HHEI, and the use of the Ohio EPA PHW Field Assessment Manual. The field portion of the training focuses intensely on the scoring and evaluation of the HHEI. The field training also includes demonstrations to introduce the methodologies for conducting biological assessments for PHW stream ecology and assessment.

Ohio EPA currently does not have established training or testing requirements finalized to achieve Credible Data Collector (QDC) status for the HHEI under the Credible Data Program. However, the training offered by EnviroScience is modeled upon past Ohio EPA training efforts. If and when the Ohio EPA develops final procedures for training and testing for QDC status, EnviroScience hopes to offer training that meets these requirements at that time.

Training Course Registration

Required Policy Documents

Training Cancellation Policy (Acknowledgment required for registration.)
Training Liability Waiver (Complete and return on or before the first day of training.)

Training Course Costs

QHEI Training Cost per Student: $525.00

HHEI Training Cost per Student: $525.00

Payment Information

When your registration is received, you will be contacted by email or phone using the information you provide to confirm your slot in the class and your preferred method of payment. Payments will be managed by Ohio Stream Assessment Training and can be made through invoice billing or credit card.

Please select your payment method using the form below. Questions about payments should be directed to Paul Anderson at: paul@springfromthesource.com.

Registration Form

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