West Otter Creek IA 02-CED-516

Assessment Comments

Stream use assessment in 1992, three DNR Fisheries surveys in 1996, and Cornell College sampling in 1997.

Basis for Assessment

Used a review of (1) the field sheet from the May 1992 DNR stream use assessment, (2) summaries of three surveys on W.  Otter Cr.  by DNR Fisheries in July 1996, and (3) results of sampling by Cornell College in 1997 to upgrade the assessment of support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses from FST to FS due to (1) presence of a relatively diverse fish community (up to 20 species from 6 families) for streams in the Iowan Surface subecoregion, (2) presence of nearly all the expected fish taxa (up to 10 of 11) for streams in this subregion, and (3) indications on the 1992 SUA field sheet of above average habitat quality.   In addition this stream, similar to others in the Otter Creek system, supports populations of sensitive species including southern redbelly dace, Ozark minnow, rosyface shiner, slender madtom, smallmouth bass, and rainbow darter.