Soap Creek IA 04-LDM-1033

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment.

Basis for Assessment

Used results of the March 1991 DNR stream use assessments to assess support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses as FST due to (1) habitat score at downstream assessment (28) much better than the overall median score (22) for DNR stream use assessments and (2) indications on field sheet of moderately diverse substrates, only isolated channel alterations, and riparian zone dominated by trees.   Habitat score at upstream assessment (at upstream boundary of B(LR) reach) is much lower (19) due to presence of a wide, shallow channel.   Field sheets suggest that, even in the downstream portion of the B(LR) reach, Soap Creek has areas of degraded habitat in the form of wide, shallow reaches.   Thus, threats to continued support of the aquatic life uses are likely the channelization in headwater reaches that increases peak flows and channel scouring of downstream reaches.