Beaver Creek IA 04-UDM-1235

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment in 1992 and biocriteria site in 1994.

Basis for Assessment

Used a review of the field sheet from the October 1992 DNR stream use assessment at Beaver, and the results of the October 1994 biocriteria sampling at the same location, to upgrade the assessment of support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses from PS to FST due to (1) presence of relatively diverse fish communities during both samplings (species/families:  15/4, 17/4) and (2) presence of a majority of the expected fish taxa (9 of 11 for both samplings) for streams in the Des Moines Lobe subecoregion (47b).   As noted in the assessments developed for the 1994 and 1996 Section 305(b) reports (see above), the physical characteristics of this stream segment are impacted by frequent channel alterations, including channelization, pasturing of the riparian area, and streambank erosion.   Despite these impacts, this stream supports a relatively diverse fish community that meets expectations for Class B(LR) streams in this subecoregion.