Densmore Lake IA 01-NEM-74

Assessment Comments

Assessment based on surveys by IDNR Fisheries Bureau.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  Continued to assess (evaluate) support of the Class B(LW) aquatic life uses as "partially supported."  Other beneficial uses remain "not assessed."  EXPLANATION:  The previous (2000) assessment of support of the Class B(LW) uses ("partially supported" due to siltation from agricultural nonpoint sources) was reviewed and approved by the DNR Wildlife Bureau (Sheets) in 2002.   The assessment category for this wetland of "evaluated" indicates that the assessment is based entirely on "best professional judgement."  In terms of Section 305(b) reporting, "monitored assessments" are based primarily on recent, site-specific ambient monitoring data and thus have relatively high confidence.   IDNR considers waterbodies identified as "impaired" based on "monitored assessments" as candidates for the state's Section 303(d) list.   "Evaluated assessments" are those based on data older than five years or other than site-specific ambient monitoring data (e.g., questionnaire surveys of fish and game biologists [=best professional judgement]) and thus have relatively low confidence.   IDNR does not consider waterbodies identified as "impaired" based on "evaluated assessments" as candidates for the state's Section 303(d) list.   Fish consumption uses remain "not assessed."  In general, Iowa wetlands are not managed for recreational fisheries; thus, fish contaminant monitoring is not typically conducted at these waterbodies.