>>Bio Testing<<
To test the biological life of Tom's Creek , two people from each group put on waders and took a net into the water.  With the net they caught samples of bugs, which were then identified by the rest of the group.  The different species were then classified into three categories: tolerant, faculative, and sensitive. 
In order to determine the quality of the water, the numbers of species per category were multiplied by 1, 2, and 3 respectively.  The total number was then compared to a chart to find the rating.  The data to the right was compiled by Maggie, Megan, Franny, Cory, and Caroline.
Tolerant Organisms: Multiply each species by 1
Water Strider.............................................................3
Tubifex Worm..........................................................14
Thread Worm............................................................8
Midge Larvae............................................................1
                                                            Total: 4

Facultative Organisms: Multiply each species by 2
Dragonfly Nymph.......................................................7
Fishfly Larvae............................................................2
Cranefly Larvae.........................................................8
Damselfly Nymph.......................................................4
Waterpenny...............................................................3
Alderfly Larva............................................................2
                                                           Total: 12

Sensitive Organisms: Multiply each species by 3
Hellgramite................................................................4
Mayfly Nymph..........................................................25
Stonefly Nymph.......................................................17
Fishing Spiders.........................................................4
                                                           Total: 12

Total Score: 28
Water Quality Rating: Excellent
Water Quality Rating Scale:
Excellent:
Greater than 22 or at least 4 sensitive organisms
Good
17-22 or at least 2 sensitive organisms
Fair
11-16 or at least 1 sensitive organism
Poor
Less than 11 and no sensitive organisms
A visual assessment of Tom's Creek was also taken by the small groups and the general consensus was that the creek was in good to excellent condition.  This conclusion was based on: instream cover, fine particle sediments, flow patterns, condition of banks, disruptive pressures, vegetative zone width, human land use, and litter.
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