Elk Run IA 04-RAC-1161

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment.

Basis for Assessment

Used a review of the field sheet from the October 1992 DNR stream use assessment in Carroll County to continue to assess support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses as FST due to (1) presence of a moderately diverse fish community (10 species from 3 families) for a headwater stream in the Des Moines Lobe subecoregion, (2) presence of a majority of the expected fish taxa (7 of 11) for streams in this subecoregion, (3) occurrence of above average quality of aquatic habitats with very diverse substrates and several pool/riffle sequences.   Primary threat to the continued support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses is over-pasturing of the riparian corridor (although little active pasturing was observed during the 1992 stream use assessment).