Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of (1) IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring from 1994 to 1997 (Avg. Fish IBI= 42(fair), Avg. BM-IBI= 75(good) and (2) IDNR/UHL biocriteria monitoring in 2000: Fish IBI= 28 (fair), BM-IBI= 68 (good).
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported / threatened" (minor impacts) based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in July 2000. This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle.
EXPLANATION: This assessment was based on data collected in 2000 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project. The 2000 Fish IBI score was 28 (fair) and the BM-IBI score was 68 (good). The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supported / threatened (=FST), based on a comparison of the F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2002 Section 305(b) report. The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2001.
In addition to the 2000 sampling, IDNR/UHL biocriteria monitoring was conducted eleven times during the period from August 1994 through May 1998 as part of an attempt to determine the effect of season on results of biological monitoring. The average F-IBI score for these 11 samplings was 42 (fair) and the average BM-IBI score was 75 (good). Similar to results from the more recent biocriteria sampling in July 2000, the aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supported / threatened (=FST), based on a comparison of the F-IBI and BM-IBI scores with biological assessment criteria established specifically for the 2000 Section 305(b) report. The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-1998.
