Cardinal Marsh IA 01-TRK-159

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on surveys by IDNR Wildlife Bureau.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The aquatic life uses were changed from "partially supported" to "fully supported / threatened."  Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  This assessment is the same as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle.

EXPLANATION:  The support of aquatic life uses was upgraded from "partially supported" to "fully supported / threatened" based on updated information from the Iowa DNR Wildife Bureau.   A review of previous assessment for this wetland by the local DNR Wildlife Biologist in 2002 indicates that Cardinal Marsh has very little watershed, and that siltation is not a significant problem.   Based on this review, "siltation" from agricultural nonpoint sources will removed from the assessment and the degree of support of the aquatic life uses is changed to "fully supported / threatened."  

Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  In general, Iowa wetlands are not managed for recreational fisheries; thus, fish contaminant monitoring is not typically conducted at these waterbodies.