Biological Stream Characterization (1984 - 2007) - Illinois Waters Surveys and Assessments - LibGuides at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

About the BSC

The Biological Stream Characterization (BSC) Work Group was formed in May 1984 by stream biologists at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Department of Conservation (Hite & Bertrand, 1989). INHS researchers starting with R. W. Larimore participated in the Work Group and Stream characterization effort. Work Continued through 2007, with more stream segments evaluated and revisions to the classification system to include additional taxa and refined measures of diversity and integrity.

See also: River Basin Water Quality Assessments (INHS 1977-1979)
Technical Reports based on biotic surveys of the Cache, Rock, Mississippi, and Wabash River Basins are available.

Reports

Biological Stream Characterization (BSC): a Biological Assessment of Illinois Stream Quality
by Robert L. Hite and Bill A. Bertrand
Publication Date: July 1989

Special Report No. 13 of the Illinois State Water Plan Task Force
Reports on the development of BSC as an aquatic resource management tool. Placed Illinois stream segements into five categories based on the Index of Biotic Integrity. By the end of 1988 614 stream segments had been evaluated, with 24 found to be class A, or Unique Aquatic Resources.
Biologically Significant Illinois Streams : An Evaluation of the Streams of Illinois Based on Aquatic Biodiversity
by Lawrence M. Page, Kevin S. Cummings, Christine A. Mayer, and Susan L. Post
Publication Date: 1992

INHS Center for Biodiversity Technical Report 1992 (01)
Builds on the earlier BSC classification by including data on threatened and endangered species and mussel diversity. This work expands the list of biologically significant streams beyond those segments designated "A" in Hite and Bertrand's 1989 report. "The expanded list identifies streams that are most important to protect and manage for their outstanding biological characteristics."
Biological Stream Characterization (BSC): Biological Assessment of Illinois Stream Quality through 1993
by W. A. Bertrand, R. L. Hite, D. M. Day
Publication Date: November 1996

IEPA/BOW/96-058
Reports that as of 1993, over 13,000 stream miles had been rated, with 612 miles placed in Class A (Unique Aquatic Resources).
Evaluating Streams in Illinois Based on Aquatic Biodiversity
by Leslie Bol, Ann Marie Holtrop, Leon C. Hinz, Jr., and John Epifanio
Publication Date: December 10, 2007

INHS Technical Report 2007 (57)
Reports on new ratings developed by a work group including a broad range of stakeholders including state agencies and NGOs. Researchers identified 122 stream segments as Biologically Significant Streams.
Integrating Multiple Taxa in a Biological Stream Rating System
by Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Publication Date: 2008

Provides updated stream ratings based on multiple taxonomic groups to support the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. Includes a map of Biological Significant Streams

Data

Biological Stream Ratings
The IL Department of Natural Resources - Office of Resource Conservation, in partnership with INHS, initiated a project to combine, update, and enhance the two previous approaches for rating Illinois streams. This revised process incorporates biological data from 1997 through 2007. Data and a mapping tool are available.