Badger Creek IA 04-UDM-1289

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of a November 1994 DNR stream use assessment.

Basis for Assessment

Used a review of the field sheet from the 1994 DNR stream use assessment in Webster County to downgrade the assessment of support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses from FST to PS due to (1) relatively low fish community diversity (5 species from 3 families) for streams in the Des Moines Lobe subecoregion and (2) presence of only 3 of the 11 expected fish taxa for streams in this subregion.   The relatively poor results for sampling of the aquatic community is likely due to the abundance of rocky substrates and snags in this stream.   Nonetheless, the low diversity and lack of environmentally sensitive species suggests that follow-up monitoring is needed to better determine the status of the aquatic communities and to determine the degree to which the Class B(LR) uses may be impaired.   Field sheet indicates no significant impacts to the physical characteristics of this stream.