Physical Monitoring
Getting Started
Monitoring Opportunities
WVP offers physical stream assessment trainings throughout the year as needed to support Cleveland Metroparks and Watershed Partner projects. Volunteers who are trained to conduct physical stream assessments can do these assessments as an independent project.
To begin physical stream assessments see projects below and either sign up for an upcoming training on the WVP events page or contact us at WVPinfo@clevelandmetroparks.com.
Report Hours
Monthly hours are due by the last Monday of every month. Contact us at WVPinfo@clevelandmetroparks.com to add the project assignment to your Volgistics profile. Please look for assignment '(IP:M) Habitat & Physical Survey ' when entering your hours on a time sheet.
Volgistics link: https://www.volgistics.com/vicnet/
What do we monitor?
Instream habitat
QHEI
HHEI
Hydraulics
Floodplain Connectivity
Geomorphology
Bedform Diversity
Large Woody Debris Index
Bank Erosion Hazard Index
Nearbank Stress
Riparian Vegetation
Sinuosity
Bed Material Characteristics
Projects
BEHI - Bank Erosion Habitat Index Assessments
The Bank Erosion Habitat Index (BEHI) looks at several streambank characteristics to determine the erosion potential of a streambank: bank angle or undercutting, geologic layers, root structures within the bank. Join Natural Resources Staff to assist with these assessments throughout Cleveland Metroparks.
QHEI - Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index
The Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) is a habitat assessment that is used to define warm water habitat status for fish. This assessment was initially developed by the EPA to identify the water quality of larger rivers. Join Natural Resources Staff to assist with these assessments throughout Cleveland Metroparks.
HHEI - Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index
The Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI) consists of a biological screening and habitat assessment of Primary Headwater Streams (PHS), which have a drainage area less than or equal to 1 mi2 and pools less than 40 cm in depth. The three metrics evaluated during a HHEI assessment are substrate, bankful width, and pool depth. Each of these metrics is scored using a point system. The total score for the HHEI assessment ranges from 5 - 100, with 5 being poor water quality and 100 being excellent water quality. Join Natural Resources Staff to assist with these assessments throughout Cleveland Metroparks.
Volunteer Materials & Resources
Virtual Training 1 Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI)-20220502 1402-1.mp4HHEI
Virtual Training 2 Headwater Habitat Evaluation Index (HHEI)-20220504 1404-1.mp4