This report assesses the ecological condition of streams in the Mid-Atlantic Highlands and ranks the potential stressors affecting stream condition. This study used an innovative statistical survey, like a political poll, to sample almost 500 stream reaches throughout the Highlands. The report defines stream condition in terms of the health of the biological organisms in the stream, rather than just focusing on chemicals in the streams. The study, however, also measured stream chemistry as well as the physical habitat in which these organisms live. It found that a greater number of stream miles had biological organisms in poor condition than in good condition throughout the Highlands. Overall, 31% of the stream miles were in poor condition based on a fish Index of Biotic Integrity and 27% were in poor condition based on an aquatic insect index. Only 17% of the stream miles were in good condition based on the fish Index of Biotic Integrity while 25% were in good condition based on the aquatic insect index. For the first time, we have a benchmark for stream condition across the Highlands and a scorecard against which we can compare future changes in stream condition.

"Final report." "EPA-903-R-00-015, August 2000." Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-55).