Elkhorn Creek IA 05-NSH-1901

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2002 Fisheries data: average Fish IBI (n=2) = 45 (fair).

Basis for Assessment

The assessment was based on data collected in 2002 as part of a DNR Fisheries stream sampling project: Cold Springs Fish Management.   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 fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   The biological metrics were combined to make a fish community index of biotic integrity (F-IBI).   The index ranks the biological integrity of a stream sampling reach on a rising scale from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).   The 2002 evaluated average Fish IBI (n=2) was 45 (fair).   The aquatic life use support was assessed (evaluated) as Fully Supporting (=FS), based on a comparison of the F-IBI score with biological assessment criteria established for previous Section 305(b) reports.   The biological assessment criteria were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2001.