Qualitive Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI)

Ohio Stream Habitat Evaluation Training Course

Summit Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with Ohio Stream Assessment Training is offering a two-day training course on collecting credible and quality data for the stream habitat evaluation developed by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). This training course meets the Ohio EPA criteria for the Credible Data Program to qualify as a Level 2 Credible Data Collector (QDC). This course will be taught by taught by Paul Anderson, a stream biologist retired from Ohio EPA with over 25 years of experience in conducting fish community assessments. Paul holds Level 3 Qualified Data Collector status for Fish Community Assessment and Stream Habitat Assessment and is a Qualified Trainer for these methods through the Ohio EPA Credible Data Program. Paul is the principal of Ohio Stream Assessment Training, a company offering Ohio EPA -approved training courses for the QHEI.

This two-day training includes both classroom and field training.
JUNE 6TH – CLASSROOM (online training): The classroom portion of the course is approximately 6 hours in length and will be conducted using Microsoft Teams. This will consist of two sessions, with each session lasting approximately three hours. Items to be covered:

• Ohio EPA Credible Data Collector (Volunteer Monitoring Program) Overview
• Introduction to Biological Criteria for Protection of Aquatic Life
• QHEI overview - introduction, procedure, and applications

JUNE 7TH – FIELD TRAINING: This portion of the training includes hands-on training and will consist of practice evaluations of three stream sites at multiple locations. For participants wishing to qualify as Level 2 Credible Data Collectors under Ohio EPA Credible Data Program, assessment at a fourth site is required. Field training sites will be in Medina County Park District and Summit Metroparks. Transportation to and from the field sites is up to the participant. Participants will need to bring their own writing utensils, clipboards, etc. Participants will need to wade into the streams to successfully complete the course so please dress appropriately.

Training cost per participant: $400.00
Payment is needed by May 31st to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 20 participants.

Click here to register!!