Boylan Creek IA 02-WFC-1870

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (REMAP) monitoring in 2002: FIBI = 37 (fair). FIBI BIC = 44.

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 REMAP project.   A series of biological metrics which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data.   The biological metrics are based on the numbers and types of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   The biological metrics were combined to make a fish community index of biotic integrity (FIBI) and a benthic macroinvertebrate index (BMIBI).   The indexes rank the biological integrity of a stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 2002 FIBI score was 37 (fair).   The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as fully supporting (=FS), based on a comparison of the FIBI score 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 37.   Even though this site passed the FIBI BIC (using the UAV of +7), 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.