South Fox Creek IA 04-FOX-1001

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment.

Basis for Assessment

Used results of the November 1990 DNR stream use assessment to assess support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses as FST due to (1) indications on field sheet of relatively diverse substrates, several pool/riffle sequences, and only isolated channel alterations and (2) fish score (13) better than the 75th percentile score (12) for stream assessments made with electrofishers.   Habitat score (21) is worse than the overall median score (22) for DNR stream use assessments due primarily to unfavorable low-flow characteristics (typical for headwater reaches) and to unstable stream banks.   Continued support of aquatic life uses is threatened by channel alterations related to channel straightening and to pasturing of riparian zone.