Adaptation of the QBR index for use in riparian forests of central Ohio

Abstract

Although high quality riparian forests are an endangered ecosystem type throughout the world, there has been no ecological index to measure the habitat quality of riparian forests in Ohio. The QBR (qualitat del bosc de ribera, or riparian forest quality) index was developed to assess the quality of habitat in Mediterranean forested riparian areas, and we have modified this index for use in central Ohio. Only a few changes were made to the original QBR index to adapt it for use in central Ohio. The changes resulted in scores that reflected the habitat quality of riparian forests along central Ohio streams more accurately than the original index would have.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, 16th central hardwood forest conference

Citation

Colwell, Stephanie R.; Hix, David M. 2008. Adaptation of the QBR index for use in riparian forests of central Ohio. In: Jacobs, Douglass F.; Michler, Charles H., eds. 2008. Proceedings, 16th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2008 April 8-9; West Lafayette, IN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-24. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 331-340.