Heather Branch IA 03-SKU-901

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1998: FIBI = 64 (good). FIBI BIC = 33.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The general aquatic life uses remain assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological monitoring in 1998.   The assessment type is considered "evaluated" (relatively lower confidence assessment) due to the uncertainty of using biological assessment methods developed for Class B(LR) and wadable Class B(WW) streams for assessing aquatic life conditions in general use-only stream segments.

EXPLANATION:  The aquatic life uses remain assessed as "fully supported" based on results of the IDNR/UHL biological monitoring conducted on this stream segment in 1998.   As stated in the assessment for the 2000 reporting cycle, only fish data were collected and analyzed; the FIBI score was 58 (good).   The aquatic life use support status was assessed as fully supporting (=FS), based on a comparison of the FIBI score with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004.   The FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 33.   Even though this site passed the FIBI BIC, it is uncertain as to whether or not this segment is meeting the aquatic life criteria because it is a small general use stream and doesn’t fall in the calibrated watershed size.