Site SelectionSite Selection

PHWH Stream CriteriaPHWH Stream Criteria WatershedWatershed area of less than 1.0 sq. mile and area of less than 1.0 sq. mile and

maximum pool depth of under 40 cm.maximum pool depth of under 40 cm. If the watershed is greater than 1.0 sq. mile and If the watershed is greater than 1.0 sq. mile and

the pool depth is over 40 cm, then another the pool depth is over 40 cm, then another protocol is used – the Qualitative Headwater protocol is used – the Qualitative Headwater Evaluation Index (QHEI) Evaluation Index (QHEI)

Potential PHWH streams can be Potential PHWH streams can be found on found on soil surveysoil survey maps maps

When to When to SampleSample

Any time of the yearAny time of the year

Must be at Must be at base flowbase flow11 conditions conditions PHWH streams recover PHWH streams recover

quickly from rains quickly from rains

June through September June through September optimal for optimal for biologicalbiological samplingsampling

Survey Survey needs to be needs to be conducted conducted over a 200 over a 200 ft. stretchft. stretch

Reasons for SamplingReasons for Sampling

Determining:Determining:

1.1. Total linear feet of PHWH within a propertyTotal linear feet of PHWH within a property2.2. Impacts of road building, pipeline, or power Impacts of road building, pipeline, or power

line projectsline projects3.3. Proper aquatic life classifications for NPDES Proper aquatic life classifications for NPDES

permitpermit4.4. Impacts of discharges or alterations on Impacts of discharges or alterations on

stream chemistry/biologystream chemistry/biology

The great number of primary headwater streams in Ohio, their diverse ecological functions, and their value to the well being of the larger rivers, lakes, and wetlands to which they are tributary are all reasons that highlight the importance of their proper classification and protection!

Reasons for SamplingReasons for Sampling::

Impacts over time at the level of Impacts over time at the level of watershedswatersheds

Reasons for SamplingReasons for Sampling

Death by a 1000 thousand cutsDeath by a 1000 thousand cuts

Rheocrene HabitatsRheocrene Habitats RheocreneRheocrene11 Habitats have wide Habitats have wide

very shallow channels, but NO defined very shallow channels, but NO defined bedbed or or bankbank

HHEI not performed on this habitatHHEI not performed on this habitat

Photo by Katie Eppley

GlossaryGlossary

BaseflowBaseflow- When groundwater provides the - When groundwater provides the entire flow of a stream, entire flow of a stream, baseflow baseflow conditionsconditions are said to exist. (Iowa DNR) are said to exist. (Iowa DNR)

RheocreneRheocrene- A rheocrene habitat is a spring - A rheocrene habitat is a spring that does not qualify as a PHWH stream that does not qualify as a PHWH stream because it lacks a true bed and bank.because it lacks a true bed and bank.

Stream ReachStream Reach- The length of stream being - The length of stream being sampled.sampled.