Tidal creek condition index for coastal streams in Sarasota County, Florida. Final 2006 report.

Abstract

This report contains information on a project describing the development of a biologically-based index by which the ecological condition of Sarasota County, Florida's tidal creeks could be monitored. A series of preparatory studies were made to evaluate the biogeographic and watershed constraints and opportunities for index development. Site visits were made to impaired and unimpaired streams, and index planning was coordinated. As a result of this, a prototype index was created and tested in 15 Sarasota County coastal streams. This test showed that further index refinement and testing could lead to a workable tidal creek condition index system for use in Sarasota County and southwest Florida. This report summarizes all work accomplished and presents results of the tests. Overall, the object was to develop an index for use by county government in tracking the biological health of tidal creeks.