Assessment Comments

Two DNR stream use assessments in Delaware and Buchanan counties.

Basis for Assessment

Used results of two stream use assessments to assess support of aquatic life uses as FST due to (1) habitat scores for both assessments better than the overall median score (22) for DNR stream use assessments, (2) fish scores for both assessments (13) greater than the 75th percentile for stream use assessments made with electrofishers, (3) presence of very diverse fish communities at both sites sampled (27 and 28 species), (3) presence of smallmouth bass at both locations, (4) presence of rare species (e.g., American brook lamprey).   This stream, however, is not without serious threats to support of aquatic life uses.   The assessment site SE of Winthrop in Buchanan Co.  was heavily pastured with the resulting sloughing of stream banks and widening/shallowing of the stream.   The field sheet indicates both frequent channel alterations (due to pasturing) and frequent bank erosion.  This reach of Buffalo Creek could benefit immensely from fencing of the stream corridor and establishement of a riparian buffer strip.   The extremely high number of fish species in this reach, in the presence of often severe habitat degradation, suggests that Buffalo Creek is capable of supporting a truly exceptional aquatic community.