MesoHABSIM Course

NAT-RESR 597 A Course Description

River restoration planning demands tools capable of quantifying the consequences of flow and channel modification at various temporal and spatial scales. NEIHP focuses on developing an efficient habitat assessment approach to analyze functional relationships between river biota and their physical environment at the watershed scale. A recently developed habitat modeling approach, called MesoHABSIM, for instream habitat assessment is experiencing growing popularity in river restoration and management planning.

The course is intended to teach the basics of data collection techniques within the MesoHABSIM framework, data processing with MesoHABSIM software and the creation of GIS habitat models. Course participants will have an opportunity to conduct stream habitat mapping with a PocketPC, use the grid-electrofishing technique, compute multivariate habitat suitability criteria for native fish species, create habitat suitability maps, create habitat-flow rating curves and habitat time series analysis (UCUT curves), develop flow augmentation scenarios and simulate habitat improvement measures. MesoHABSIM software will be provided.

The 2007 Summer Course intended for students and professionals will be offered August 27-31. Online registration will be offered soon through the Continuing Education of the University of Massachusetts. It is also offered as a series of short courses through Rushing Rivers Institute. Find out how to register for all options click here.