Bridge Creek IA 03-NSK-1898

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 1999 Fisheries data: FIBI = 31 (fair). FIBI BIC = 36.

Basis for Assessment

The assessment was based on data collected in 1999 as part of a DNR Fisheries stream sampling project: Manchester research station.   A series of biological metrics which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity were calculated from the Fisheries sampling data.   The biological metrics are based on the numbers and types of 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).   The index ranks the biological integrity of a stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 1999 evaluated Fish IBI was 31 (fair).   The overall 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 36.   Even though this site passed the FIBI BIC (with the use of the UAV +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.