1. Headwater Macro-invertebrate Field Evaluation Index (HMFEI) Photo by Garrett Rauckhorst

2. HMFEI Basics WHAT is it? WHAT is it? A rapid bio-assessment field method using benthic macroinvertebrates A rapid bio-assessment field method using benthic macroinvertebrates A method to predict the number of cool water taxa present A method to predict the number of cool water taxa present WHY use it? WHY use it? A good predictor of Primary Headwater Habitat (PHWH) stream class A good predictor of Primary Headwater Habitat (PHWH) stream class A good method of separating Class II PHWH streams from Class I and Class III PHWH streams A good method of separating Class II PHWH streams from Class I and Class III PHWH streams

3. HMFEI Basics continued HOW use it? HOW use it? Collect macro-invertebrates using standard protocol Collect macro-invertebrates using standard protocol Identify specimen to appropriate taxonomic level Identify specimen to appropriate taxonomic level Multiply each taxon 1 by its value as identified on the HMFEI field form Multiply each taxon 1 by its value as identified on the HMFEI field form Use the HMFEI table to classify the stream. Use the HMFEI table to classify the stream. WHEN use it? WHEN use it? If HHEI is ambiguous 2 If HHEI is ambiguous 2

4. Macro-invertebrate Identification A useful key for benthic macroinvertebrates can be found at http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/13545_WVSOS %20Couplet%20key.pdf A useful key for benthic macroinvertebrates can be found at http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/13545_WVSOS %20Couplet%20key.pdf http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/13545_WVSOS %20Couplet%20key.pdf http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/13545_WVSOS %20Couplet%20key.pdf The Dichotomous Key begins on page 6 Couplet Key begins on page 15

5. Field Guide to Aquatic Invertebrates Another good online identification resource can be found at http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/12924_Guide_to _Aquatic_Invertebrates.pdf Another good online identification resource can be found at http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/12924_Guide_to _Aquatic_Invertebrates.pdf http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/12924_Guide_to _Aquatic_Invertebrates.pdf http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/12924_Guide_to _Aquatic_Invertebrates.pdf Includes identification to family level Includes identification to family level

6. Table Summaries

7. Integrity of HMFEI Field identification usually inferior to voucher sample identification Field identification usually inferior to voucher sample identification A thorough field collection of all habitats required A thorough field collection of all habitats required Collector needs taxonomic experience Collector needs taxonomic experience Photo by Katie Eppley