Fenchel Creek (a.k.a. Richmond Springs) IA 01-MAQ-59

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on a 2002 summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the DNR Fisheries Bureau. See attached document for details.

Basis for Assessment

Not assessed for the 1994 report.  

For the 1996 report, used information on Fenchel Cr.  from the 1996 Fishing Forecast in the March/April 1996 Iowa Conservationist:  "Lower portion stocked with rainbows from April through November.   Entire stream has reproducing brown trout population."  Presence of reproducing trout strongly suggests excellent habitat and water quality.  

For the 1998 report, continued to use the assessment of support of the Class B(CW) aquatic life uses developed for the 1996 report (=FST).                                        
      
For the 2000 report:  SUMMARY:  The Class B(CW) coldwater aquatic life uses were assessed as "fully supported."  Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  EXPLANATION:  Based on a summary of trout reproduction in Iowa streams prepared by the DNR Fisheries Bureau, the Class B(CW) uses were assessed as "fully supported."  According to Moeller (1999), Fenchel Creek (aka, Richmond Springs) is in the category of Iowa trout streams with long-term, consistent natural reproduction; these streams are capable of maintaining a viable population of trout without stocking.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of recent fish tissue monitoring in this stream reach.  

For the 2002 report:  SUMMARY:  The Class B(CW) coldwater aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported."  Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  EXPLANATION:  Based on the assessment developed for the 2000 report (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."  According to this summary, Fenchel Creek (aka, Richmond Springs) is in the category of Iowa trout streams that have fairly consistent natural reproduction and are capable of maintaining a viable population for the target trout species without any stocking.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed" due to lack of fish tissue monitoring in this stream reach.