Middle Fork Little Maquoketa River IA 01-TRK-138

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2004 IDNR REMAP sampling data: 3/8, 3/8, and 2/4 coldwater biological indicators met the criteria - Partially Supporting (PS).

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(CW) coldwater aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "partially supported" based on results of biological monitoring in 2004.   Fish consumption uses are not assessed.

EXPLANATION:  The assessment of the Class B(CW) aquatic life uses was based on biological data collected in 2004 as part of the DNR/UHL stream REMAP project.   A series of eight (8) coldwater biological indicators, which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity, were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data and supplemental IDNR Fisheries Bureau data.   The coldwater biological indicators are based on the numbers and types of coldwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   Sites that score 5-8 are Fully Supporting (FS), sites that score 2-4 are Partially Supporting (PS), and sites that score 0-1 are Not Supporting (NS).   When fish sampling is not coducted, assessments are based on benthic macroinvertebrate data only.   Non-fish sites that score 3 or 4 are Fully Supporting (FS), sites that score 1 or 2 are Partially Supporting, and sites that score 0 are Not Supporting (NS).   The 2004 coldwater biological indicator scores were 3/8, 3/8, and 2/4.   The aquatic life use support was assessed (monitored) as partially supporting (= PS), based on a comparison of the coldwater biological indicator score with biological assessment criteria established for this Section 305(b) report.   The coldwater biological indicators were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at coldwater stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004 and with assistance from the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.