Biological Monitoring
Seelye Brook
| Monitoring Location | at Hwy 7, Oak Grove |
| Monitored By | Anoka Conservation District staff |
| Number of Years Monitored | 5 yrs |
| Background: Seelye Brook originates in southwestern Isanti County and flows south through northwest Anoka County, draining into the Rum River just east of the sampling site. This stream is low-gradient, like most other streams in the area. It has a silty or sandy bottom and lacks riffle-pool sequences. In many areas the stream has a good forest canopy overhead. It is a moderate to large stream for Anoka County, with a typical baseflow width of 20-25 feet. The sampling site is in the road right of way of the Highway 7 crossing. The bridge footings and poured concrete are a significant feature of the sampling site, which is otherwise sandy-bottom. This site also experiences scour during high flow because flow is constricted under the bridge. Banks are steep and undercut. A few snags overhang the stream, but otherwise invertebrate habitat is sparse. |
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| Results: Biological data indicated a slightly below average condition for Anoka County, but 2003 results were consistent with those seen in the past. No extremely pollution sensitive families were found, a few moderately sensitive families were present, but most were generalists. Limited supplemental water chemistry readings taken during biomonitoring did not raise any "red flags." |
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| Discussion: Chemical monitoring from 1999 data showed relatively good water quality. Therefore, habitat degradation may be the prime reason for a mediocre biological community. | |
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