North Bear Creek IA 01-UIA-255

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on a survey of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the DNR Fisheries Bureau.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(CW) coldwater aquatic life uses were assessed as "fully supported."  Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  EXPLANATION:  Based on a summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the DNR Fisheries Bureau, the support of the Class B(CW) uses was changed from "fully supported / threatened" to "fully supported."  According to Moeller (1999), North Bear Creek is in the category of Iowa trout streams with long-term, consistent natural reproduction; these streams are capable of maintaining a viable population of trout without stocking.   Assessment is also based on results of the 1994 DNR biocriteria sampling (see assessment for the 1996 report above).   Based on results of the 1994 sampling, this waterbody probably should have been assessed as "fully supported" (not threatened).   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of recent fish tissue monitoring in this stream reach.