Evaluation of the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index as a Planning and Design Tool for Restoration of Rural Ontario Waterways

The applicability of the Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI) as a planning and design tool for stream assessments in southern Ontario was evaluated. QHEI assessments were made at 50 Ontario sites where benthic data were available or collected. QHEI was correlated to % Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (%EPT), Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) and Taxa Richness. QHEI reference ranges of >67.5, 52.5 to 67.5, and <52.5 were determined for Exceptional, Good, and Marginal/Poor habitats, respectively. Predictive regression equations were developed for stream assessment and rehabilitation design. However, only about 50% of the variance in biologic indices is explained by geomorphic stressors within the stream. Further improvement of QHEI and refinement of reference ranges specific to Ontario regions will require further data collection and modelling.