West Creek IA 04-LDM-1079

Assessment Comments

Three IDNR stream use assessments in 1992.

Basis for Assessment

NOTE:  This formerly (pre-1990) Class B(w) stream was assessed as a general use stream in 1992 due to extensive channelization and lack of good aquatic habitat during low-flow conditions throughout most of the stream.   Not assessed for the 1994 or 1996 reports.

Used a review of the field sheets from the three June 1992 DNR stream use assessments to assess support of the general aquatic life uses as FST due to (1) presence of a relatively diverse fish community (11 species from 4 families) for streams in the Southern Iowa Rolling Loess Prairies subecoregion (47f) and (2) presence of a majority of the expected fish taxa (6 of 8) for streams in this subecoregion.   Much of stream suffers from channelization impacts, lack of habitat diversity, and generally unfavorable low flow characteristics.   At higher flows, however, this general use stream apparently supports the expected types of aquatic life.