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1994 MARYLAND BIOLOGICAL STREAM SURVEY STREAM HABITAT ASSESSMENT (HABIT94)
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The Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) is a multi-year probability-based sampling program designed to assess the status of biological resources in non-tidal streams of Maryland. The MBSS study area comprises eighteen drainage basins across the state of Maryland, providing biological, water chemistry, and physical habitat data for approximately 300 first- through third-order stream sites per year. During 1994, the program conducted a Demonstration Project to test field protocols and refine the sampling design prior to full implementation of the MBSS during 1995-1997. Sampling for the 1994 Demonstration Project was conducted in seven basins: Youghiogheny, Potomac-Washington Metro, Patuxent, West Chesapeake, Susquehanna, Choptank, and Pocomoke. The HABIT94 data set includes information from stream habitat assessments conducted during the summer index period. Data were gathered through both field observation and direct measurement of habitat parameters. Procedures for habitat assessments developed for Maryland streams were derived from two currently used methodologies: EPAs Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs) and the Ohio EPAs Qualitative Habitat Evaluation Index (QHEI). Data are from the 1994 MBSS Demonstration Project.