Little Waterman Creek IA 06-LSR-1621

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 2002: FIBI = 42 (fair), BMIBI = 46 (fair). FIBI BIC = 43, BMIBI BIC = 54.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The general aquatic life uses are assessed (monitored) as "fully supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 2002.  

EXPLANATION:  This assessment was based on data collected in 2002 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.  The 2002 FIBI score was 42 (fair) and the BMIBI score was 46 (fair).   The aquatic life use support was assessed as fully supporting (=FS), based on a comparison of the FIBI and BMIBI scores with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004.   The FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 43 and the BMIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 54.   Even though this site passed both the FIBI and BMIBI BICs (with the use of the FIBI UAV +7 and BMIBI UAV +8), it is uncertain as to whether or not this segment is meeting the aquatic life criteria because it is a small general use stream and doesn’t fall in the calibrated watershed size.