Assessment Comments
Stream use assessment in Scott County.
Basis for Assessment
Continued to assess support of the Class B(LR) aquatic life uses as FST due to (1) habitat scores (24 & 25) above the overall median score for DNR stream use assessment from 1990-95, (2) lack of apparent threats to continued support of aquatic life uses other than "isolated" areas of channel alterations and stream bank erosion, and (3) a fish community of approximately the expected species for B(LR) streams in this region (although deep pools and rocky substrates hindered thorough seining). Because the data upon which this assessment is based are more than 5 years old, changed the 305(b) assessment category from "monitored" to "evaluated." Additional monitoring is needed to update the assessment and to better define the status of the aquatic communities and habitats. A review of the field sheet for the August 1991 DNR stream use assessment in Scott County shows relatively poor fish community diversity (7 cyprinids) for streams in the Southern Iowa Rolling Loess Prairies subecoregion (47f) and presence of less than a majority of the expected fish taxa (3 of 9) for streams in this region. Assessment of Class B(LR) uses as FST is based on indications of high quality habitats. Additional monitoring is needed.
