Bear Creek IA 03-SSK-958

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) monitoring in 1997: FIBI = 38 (fair), BMIBI = 84 (excellent). Non-riffle habitat FIBI BIC = 32, BMIBI BIC = 62.

Basis for Assessment

SUMMARY:  The Class B(LR) aquatic life uses are assessed (evaluated) as "fully supported" based on results of IDNR/UHL biological (biocriteria) sampling in 1997.   This is the same assessment as that developed for the 2004 reporting cycle except the data are now too old for the assessment to be considered monitored; therefore, the assessment is considered evaluated.

EXPLANATION:  The assessment was based on the 1997 data and the aquatic life use support was assessed as Fully Supported (=FS), based on a comparison of the FIBI and BMIBI scores with biological impairment criteria (BIC) established from a statistical analysis of data collected at stream ecoregion reference sites from 1994-2004.   The non-riffle habitat FIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 32 and the BMIBI BIC for this ecoregion is 62.   The FIBI score was 38 (fair) and the BMIBI score was 84 (excellent).