Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index

I had the educational experience to conduct a qualitative habitat evaluation index survey on the Olentangy River with a few certified QHEI surveyors. I plan to receive my certification so this was a great opportunity which included an understanding of each metric category and how to record the data on the form.

This involved completing a field assessment on substrate material,instream cover, channel morphology, bank erosion and vegetation, riparian zone, water movements, gradient and additional factors on a 500’ river span.

We evaluated every aspect of the river and the land to make an evaluation of the complete habitat.

Each factor in the habitat would receive a score depending on how beneficial or detrimental it is to the habitat. The QHEI is composed of six principal metrics each of which are described below.

• Metric 1: Substrate
• Metric 2: Instream Cover
• Metric 3: Channel Morphology
• Metric 4: Riparian Zone and Bank Erosion
• Metric 5: Pool/Glide and Riffle-Run Quality
• Metric 6: Map Gradient

View My First Solo QHEI