Brush Creek IA 01-VOL-317

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment in Fayette County.

Basis for Assessment

Used a review of the field sheet from the October 1991 DNR stream use assessment in Fayette County to continue to assess support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses as FST due to indications on field sheet of above average habitat quality due to good low flow characteristics, presence of very diverse substrates, several pool/riffle sequences and only isolated channel alterations.   Frequent stream bank erosion was identified as an impact to the physical characteristics of this stream reach.   Despite good quality aquatic habitats, only 4 cyprinid species were captured, with the abundance of rocky substrates noted as hindering seining.  The data upon which this assessment is based are more than 5 years old.   Additional monitoring is needed to update this assessment and to better define the status of the aquatic communities and habitats.