Assessment Comments
Assessment is based on results of a November 1994 IDNR stream use assessment.
Basis for Assessment
SUMMARY: The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses remain assessed as "partially supported" based on results of biological monitoring and habitat assessment conducted as part of the November 1994 IDNR stream use assessment. Due to the age of these data, the assessment category is changed from "monitored" (higher-confidence assessment) to "evaluated" (lower-confidence assessment).
EXPLANATION: Continue to use the assessment developed for the 1998 and 2000 reporting cycles that was based on results of the 1994 IDNR stream use assessment. As stated in the assessment developed for the 1998 reporting cycle, the Class B(LR) uses were assessed as "partially supported" 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 less than a majority of the expected fish taxa (5 of 11) for streams in this subregion. As with the DNR stream use assessments for other streams in this portion of the upper Des Moines basin, rocky substrates and numerous snags hindered effective sampling (seining) of the fish community. Follow-up monitoring was recommended to better define the status of the aquatic communities and habitats and to determine the degree to which the Class B(LR) uses may be impaired. The field sheet indicates above average habitat quality, with no significant threats to the physical characteristics of this stream. Because these data are now considered too old (greater than five years) to accurately characterize current water quality conditions, the assessment category is changed from "monitored" (indicating an assessment with relatively high confidence) to "evaluated" (indicating an assessment with relatively low confidence). Follow-up monitoring is still needed in this stream reach to determine the status of aquatic communities and habitats and to determine the degree to which the Class B(LR) uses may be impaired.
