Benthic Macroinvertebrate Assessment Training
Level 2 Bioassessment: OEPA QDC

Summit Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with Midwest Biological Institute (MBI) is offering a two-day training course on sample collection, identification and data evaluation of benthic macroinvertebrates. This training course fulfills the training required for those who are pursuing Level 2 Qualified Data Collector (QDC) status under the Ohio Credible Data Program. 

This course will be taught by taught by Marty Knapp. Prior to joining MBI in 2007, Marty spent much of his career at the Ohio EPA sampling macroinvertebrates throughout Ohio and developing a wetland invertebrate community index for Ohio’s wetland program. Marty is the lead macroinvertebrate taxonomist for MBI and is currently assessing the macroinvertebrate communities in a variety of river basins throughout Ohio, Illinois and Indiana.

This two-day training includes both classroom and field training.

  • JUNE 13th – CLASSROOM TRAINING
  • The classroom portion of the course is approximately 8 hours in length and will be conducted at the University of Akron Field Station at Bath Nature Preserve. This session will consist of lectures as well as microscope usage and practice.

    Students will be given the opportunity to take the macroinvertebrate taxonomic identification examination at the conclusion of training. This exam, and a passing score, is necessary to seek Level 2 QDC status with Ohio EPA. More information on Ohio EPA's QDC program can be found here.
 
  • JUNE 14th – FIELD TRAINING
  • This portion of the training includes hands-on field sampling and will evaluate the benthic macroinvertebrate community at several, to be determined, local stream sites. Field sites will be located in Summit County within 20 miles of the UA field station. 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: $450.00

Registration deadline is May 29th. Payment is needed by June 7th to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 20 participants.