Data and Interpretive Tools

California Stream Condition Index

The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological index used to score the condition of BMI communities in perennial wadeable rivers and streams. Developed in 2013 to include a broader reference data set and to ensure better statewide applicability than previous regional indices, the CSCI combines two unique types of index that have traditionally been used separately: an observed-to-expected (O/E) index and a mulitmetric index (MMI). The CSCI is the first index to provide a consistent statewide standard for interpreting bioassessment data and is the basis of the new statewide Biological Integrity Assessment Implementation Plan.

• Bioassessment Scores Map
• CSCI Fact Sheet (December 2015)
• CSCI Technical Memo (October 2015)
  • CSCI Scientific Paper (2016)
  • Reference Scientific Paper (2016)
• CSCI: Interim Instructions for Calculating Scores Using GIS and R (Revision date: August 1, 2018)
• Technical basis for the bioassessment scoring tool, the California Stream Condition Index - presentation by Pete Ode of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to the State Board (Jan 2013)
  

Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI)

• The Physical Habitat (PHAB) Index of Physical Integrity (IPI): Interim Instructions (October 2018)
• Physical Habitat Index Technicial Memo (August 2018)

Indices of Biological Integrity - Archived

For most assessment applications, the CSCI should be used instead of these IBIs. The documents provided below are for informational purposes only.

Prior to the CSCI, several regional indices of biological integrity (IBIs) were developed for different portions of the state. An IBI uses multiple metrics to describe the biological condition of a stream or river. Included metrics vary by biogeographical region and benchmark values are based on reference sites considered to be relatively undisturbed by human activity.

• North Coast
  • Development of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for Wadeable Streams in Northern Coastal California and its Application to Regional 305(b) Assessment (September 2005)
• South and Central Coasts
  • Development and comparison of stream indices of biotic integrity using diatoms vs. non-diatom algae vs. a combination - Abstract on Google Scholar (July 2013)
  • A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams - Environmental Management 35(4):493-504 (2005)
  • Calculating the South and Central Coast IBI (May 2009)
    • Boundary map for the South Coast IBI (kml file) (Coming soon)
• Central Valley
  • An Index of Biotic Integrity for Perennial Streams in California’s Central Valley (December 2008)
• Western Sierra
  • Benthic Macroinvertebrates As Indicators of Biological Condition Below Hydropower Dams on West Slope Sierra Nevada Streams, California, USA (May 2008)
• Eastern Sierra
  • Development of a Benthic Macroinvertebrate Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) for Stream Assessments in the Eastern Sierra Nevada of California - D.B. Herbst and E.L. Silldorff (December 2009)
  • Preliminary Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) for Periphyton in the Eastern Sierra (draft technical report) (August 2008)
  • Calculating the Eastern Sierra IBI - MS-Excel spreadsheet calculator