Miners Creek IA 01-YEL-427

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on 2001 IDNR biocriteria sampling data: 3/8 coldwater biological indicators met the criteria - Partially Supporting (PS).

Basis for Assessment

The assessment was based on data collected in 2001 as part of the DNR/UHL stream biocriteria project.   A series of eight (8) coldwater biological indicators, which reflect stream water quality and habitat integrity, were calculated from the biocriteria sampling data and supplemental IDNR Fisheries Bureau data.   The coldwater biological indicators are based on the numbers and types of coldwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxa and fish species that were collected in the stream sampling reach.   Sites that score 7 or 8 are Fully Supporting (FS), sites that score 4-6 are Fully Supporting/Threatened (FS/T), sites that score 2-3 are Partially Supporting (PS), and sites that score 0-1 are Not Supporting (NS).   The 2001 coldwater biological indicator score was 3/8.   The aquatic life use support was assessed as Partially Supporting (= PS), based on a comparison of the coldwater biological indicator score with biological assessment criteria established for this Section 305(b) report.   The coldwater biological indicators were determined from a statistical analysis of data collected at coldwater stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2002 and with assistance from the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.