Spring Branch IA 01-MAQ-49

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on a 2002 summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(CW) coldwater aquatic life uses remain assessed (monitored) as "fully supported / threatened" (minor  impacts) based on the April 2002 summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams as prepared by the IDNR Fisheries Bureau.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  This assessment is the same as that developed for the 2002 reporting cycle.

EXPLANATION:  Based on the assessment developed for the 1998 and 2000 reports (see above), and based on an updated summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the DNR Fisheries Bureau in April 2002, the Class B(CW) uses remain assessed as "fully supported / threatened."  According to the updated summary, Spring Branch is in the category of Iowa trout streams that exhibit recent, but inconsistent reproductive success and that are generally not capable of maintaining a viable population for the resident trout species at this time.  

Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of fish tissue monitoring in this stream reach.