Assessment Comments
Assessment based on 2002 IDNR REMAP sampling data: 0/8 coldwater biological indicators met the criteria - Not Supporting (NS).
Basis for Assessment
The assessment was based on data collected in 2002 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 REMAP 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 7 or 8 are Fully Supporting (FS), sites that score 4-6 are Fully Supporting/Threatened (FS/T), sites that score 2-3 are Partially Supporting (PS), and sites that score 0-1 are Not Supporting (NS). The 199/200 coldwater biological indicator score was 0/8. The aquatic life use support was assessed as Not Supporting (=NS), 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 1994-2002 and with assistance from the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.
As part of the 2002 REMAP project, stream physical habitat assessment found adverse conditions that are thought to contribute to the biological impairment. These include, bank instability, flow impoundment, and excesive silt deposition. Beaver activity in the vicinity of the sample site has been observed and is suspected to be a major source of habitat alteration.
