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2 0 1 5 – 2 0 2 5
Species of Greatest Conservation Need Species Accounts
Appendix 1.4F-Mussels
Freshwater Mussel Species of Greatest Conservation Need
Maps: Physiographic Provinces and HUC Watersheds
Species Accounts (Click species name below or bookmark to navigate to species account)
FRESHWATER MUSSELSDwarf Wedgemussel Northern Riffleshell Snuffbox Eastern Pearlshell
Round Hickorynut Sheepnose Clubshell Rabbitsfoot
Pistolgrip
The following Physiographic Province and HUC Watershed maps are presented here for reference with conservation actions identified in the species accounts. Species account authors identified appropriate Physiographic Provinces or HUC Watershed (Level 4, 6, 8, 10, or statewide) for specific conservation actions to address identified threats. HUC watersheds used in this document were developed from the Watershed Boundary Dataset, a joint project of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
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Appalachian Plateaus
Ridge and Valley
Piedmont
Central Lowlands
AtlanticCoastal Plain
NewEngland
Appalachian Plateaus
Atlantic Coastal Plain
Central Lowlands
New England
Piedmont
Ridge and Valley
Physiographic Provinces
1080| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Potomac
Allegheny
Lake Erie
Upper Susquehanna
Monongahela
Lower Susquehanna
Upper Delaware
Lower Delaware
Upper Ohio-Beaver
UpperChesapeake
West Branch Susquehanna
EasternLake Erie
SouthernLake Erie
SouthwesternLake Ontario
Susquehanna
Allegheny
Upper Ohio
Potomac
Delaware-Mid Atlantic Coastal
Monongahela
Upper Chesapeake
Pennsylvania HUC4 and HUC6 Watersheds
County BoundaryHUC 6 WatershedState BorderHUC 4 Watershed
0 50 100 150 20025Kilometers
1081| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Lake Erie
Tioga
Cheat
Pine
Schuylkill
Lehigh
French
Clarion
Upper Ohio
Upper Allegheny
Chemung
Youghiogheny
Lower Susquehanna
Mahoning
Conemaugh
UpperSusquehanna
Shenango
Lower Juniata
Raystown
Monocacy
UpperGenesee
Conococheague-Opequon
Conewango Upper Delaware
LowerMonongahela
Bald Eagle
LowerDelaware
Upper Juniata
Upper Ohio-Wheeling
Sinnemahoning
Gunpowder-Patapsco
Middle Allegheny-Tionesta
Lower Susquehanna-Swatara
Middle Allegheny-Redbank
UpperSusquehanna-Tunkhannock
Lower Susquehanna-Penns
Lackawaxen
UpperMonongahela Cacapon-
Town
Chester-SassafrasNorth
BranchPotomac
Lower WestBranch
Susquehanna
Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna
Owego-Wappasening
Upper WestBranch Susquehanna
Connoquenessing
MiddleDelaware-
Musconetcong
MiddleDelaware-Mongaup-Brodhead
Kiskiminetas
Chautauqua-
Conneaut
Brandywine-Christina
LowerAllegheny
Crosswicks-Neshaminy
Middle WestBranch
Susquehanna
Beaver
Ashtabula-Chagrin
State BorderCountyHUC 6HUC 8
Pennsylvania HUC6 and HUC8 Watersheds
0 50 100 150 200Kilometers
1082| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Tioga River
Penns Creek
Kettle Creek
Lackawanna River
Bush Kill
Lower Pine CreekLycoming Creek
Middle Lehigh River
Sugar Creek
Fishing Creek
Bald Eagle Creek
Lower Susquehanna River
Mongaup River
Beech Creek
Middle Creek
Fishing Creek
Lower Lehigh River
Towanda Creek
Tunkhannock Creek
Cowanesque River
Lower Loyalsock Creek
Upper Pine Creek
Lower Susquehanna River
Spring Creek
Little Pine Creek
Babb Creek
Nescopeck CreekBuffalo Creek
Mahanoy Creek
Broadhead Creek
Upper Lehigh River
Muncy Creek
Catawissa Creek
Crooked Creek
Pine Creek
Shamokin Creek
PoconoCreek
Middle Delaware River
Bowman Creek
Wysox CreekMill Creek
Mehoopany Creek
Honey Creek
Pohopoco Creek
Marsh Creek
Middle Creek
Roaring Creek
Upper Loyalsock Creek
Schrader Creek
Spruce Creek Upper Schuylkill River
Middle ChemungRiver
MiddleSusquehanna River
LowerChemung
River
Wyalusing Creek
Lower Delaware River
Lower WestBranch
SusquehannaRiver
UpperDelaware
River
UpperDelaware River
Tobyha
nna Cree
k
WallenpaupackCreek
LowerSusquehanna River
LarrysCreek
Lackawaxen River
WestBranch
SusquehannaRiver
OswayoCreek
UpperSusquehanna RiverHuntington
Creek
MiddleSusquehanna
River
West Branch
Susquehanna River
MeshoppenCreek
LowerWest Branch
Delaware River
Shahola Creek
ChillisquaqueCreek
Upper Susquehanna River
LittleSchuylkill
River
Pipe Creek-Susquehanna
River
HalfwayBrook-
DelawareRiver
Troups Creek
Cayuta Creek
Lower East Branch
Delaware River
DyberryCreek
Flat Brook-
Delaware R
iver
Cryder Creek-Genesee River
Raym
onds
kill Cr
eek-
Delaw
are Ri
ver
Little Muncy Creek
Aquashicola Creek
YoungWomans
Creek
LittleLoyalsock Creek
Wappasening Creek-Susquehanna River
Little
Fishin
g Cree
k
ChoconutCreek-
Susquehanna River
Upper WestBranch
SusquehannaRiver
HeadwatersGenesee River
West BranchPine Creek
White Deer
Hole Creek
West Branch
Lackawaxen RiverSouth Branch Tunkhannock
Creek
Bushkill Creek-
Delaware River
East Branch
Wyalusing Creek
East BranchTunkhannock
Creek
WestBranch
WallenpaupackCreek
Mahantango CreekJordan CreekMaiden Creek
First ForkSinnemahoning
Creek
HeadwatersAllegheny River
Pennsylvania HUC8 & HUC10 Watersheds, NE
0 25 50 75 100Kilometers
HUC 8
State BorderHUC 10
1083| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Penns Creek
Perkiomen Creek
Susquehanna River
Lower Lehigh River
Susquehanna RiverTuscarora Creek
Conestoga River
Sherman Creek
Maiden Creek
Lower Delaware River
Middle Creek
Middle Schuylkill River
Lower Schuylkill River
Antietam Creek
Conococheague Creek
Susquehanna River
Deer Creek
Elk River
Tulpehocken Creek
Middle Lehigh River
Spring Creek
Bald Eagle Creek
Pequea Creek
Muddy Creek
Mahanoy Creek
Yellow Breeches Creek
Lower Swatara Creek
Upper Schuylkill River
White Clay Creek
Cocalico Creek
Catawissa Creek
Upper Swatara Creek
Pine Creek
Chickies Creek
Shamokin Creek
Buffalo Creek
Lower Juniata River
Toms Creek
Honey Creek
Lower Conodoguinet Creek
Wiconisco Creek
Middle Juniata River Deep Creek
Pohopoco CreekFishing Creek
Bermudian Creek
Marsh Creek
Jordan Creek
Roaring Creek
Upper Conewago Creek
Little Lehigh Creek
French Creek
Nescopeck Creek
Aquashicola Creek
Quittapahilla Creek
Pocono Creek
Codorus Creek
Upper Delaware
River
Raccoon Creek-Delaware River
Darby Creek-Mantua Creek
Octoraro Creek
MiddleConodoguinet
Creek
Upper Juniata River
Little Schuylkill
River
Cooper River-Delaware River
Standing Stone Creek
Upper M
onocac
y River
West BranchConococheague
Creek
UpperNeshaminy
Creek
RockCreek
Buffalo Creek
Christina River
ManatawnyCreek
LowerConewago
Creek
Little Swatara Creek
Blacklog Creek
Kishacoquillas Creek Mahantango Creek
Lower Susquehanna River
West BranchBrandywine
Creek
LowerNeshaminy
Creek
South BranchCodorus Creek
East BranchBrandywine
Creek
UpperConodoguinet
Creek
BrandywineCreek
CocolamusCreek
Pennypack Creek-
Rancocas Creek
Tohickon Creek-Delaware River
WissahickonCreek
East BranchOctoraro
Creek
UpperGunpowder
Falls
LittleConewago
Creek
Little Conestoga Creek
Rocky SpringBranch-
Back Creek
West BranchMahantango Creek
Bushkill Creek-Delaware River
Middle Gunpowder Falls
South BranchConewago
Creek
Little Tonoloway Creek-Potomac River
North EastRiver-Upper
ChesapeakeBay
Chillisquaque CreekBeech CreekFlat Brook-Delaware River
Fishing Creek
AssiscunkCreek-
Delaware River
Broadhead Creek
HUC 8
State BorderHUC 10
0 20 40 60 80Kilometers
Pennsylvania HUC8 and HUC10 Watersheds, SE
1084| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Lake Erie
French Creek Oil Creek
Kettle Creek
Lower Allegheny
River
Tionesta Creek
Potato Creek
Upper Clarion River
Oswayo Creek
Mahoning Creek
Slippery Rock Creek
Headwaters Allegheny River
Brokenstraw Creek
Kinzua Creek
Sugar Creek
Beech Creek
Lower Allegheny River
Sandy Lick Creek
Neshannock Creek
Sandy Creek
Upper Pine Creek
Conneaut Creek
Bald Eagle Creek
Redbank Creek
Cowanesque RiverElk Creek
Bennett Branch Sinnemahoning Creek
Wolf Creek
Tunungwant Creek
Mill Creek-Mahoning River
Ashtabula River
Lower Conewango Creek
Middle Clarion River
Pine Creek
Little Toby Creek
Moshannon Creek
West Branch French Creek
Spring Creek
Elk Creek
Deer Creek
Piney Creek
East Sandy Creek
Muddy CreekWest Branch Tionesta Creek
Clearfield Creek
Little Sandy Creek
Buffalo CreekBeaver River
Upper Allegheny
River
Pymatuning Creek
Lower West Branch Susquehanna River
First Fork Sinnemahoning
Creek
Yankee Run-Shenango River
Sixmile Creek-Frontal Lake Erie
Lower West Branch Susquehanna River
Allegheny River
Lower Clarion
River
Conneaut Outlet
Driftwood Branch Sinnemahoning Creek
Big Run-Shenango
River
Bear Creek
Cessewago Creek
Little Shenango
River
Troups Creek
Anderson Creek
Mosquito Creek
Cryder Creek-Genesee RiverLeBoeuf
Creek
East BranchClarion River
Pymatuning Reservoir-Shenango
River
Young Womans
Creek
Wheeler Creek
Sinnemahoning CreekNorth Fork
Redbank Creek
West Branch Clarion River
Upper West Branch
Susquehanna River
Little Brokenstraw
Creek Headwaters Genesee River
Upper West Branch
Susquehanna River
South Branch Tionesta Creek
South Branch French Creek
West Branch Pine Creek
Sinnemahoning Portage
Creek
Connoquenessing Creek
Crooked Creek-Frontal
Lake Erie
Spring Creek Penns Creek
Pelee Island
Pennsylvania HUC8 and HUC10 Watersheds, NW
0 25 50 75 100Kilometers
HUC 8
State BorderHUC 10
1085| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Wills Creek
Clearfield Creek
Chartiers CreekLoyalhanna Creek
Allegheny River
Conemaugh River
Stonycreek River
Licking Creek
Dunkard Creek
Crooked Creek
Town Creek
Lower Monongahela
River
Racoon Creek
Little Juniata River
Big Sandy Creek
Turtle Creek
Buffalo Creek
Kiskiminetas River
Kings Creek-Ohio River
Montour Run-Ohio River
Connoquenessing Creek
Lower Casselman River
Backlick Creek
LowerCheatRiver
Sewickley Creek
Indian CreekTenmile Creek
Upper Monongahela
River
Fish Creek
Upper Monongahela River
Spring Creek
Wheeling Creek
Dunning Creek
Buffalo Creek
Two Lick Creek
Spruce Creek
Allegheny River
South Fork Tenmile Creek
Shade CreekYellow Creek
Jacobs Creek
Brush Creek
Plum Creek
Cross Creek
Pine Creek
Moshannon Creek
Beaver River
Little Conemaugh River
Yellow Creek
Coxes Creek
Little Mahoning
Creek
Shaver Creek
Georges Creek
Chest Creek
Middle Youghiogheny
River
Aughwick Creek
Juniata River
Evitts
Cree
k
Laurel
Hill Cree
k
Upper Youghiogheny
River
Redstone
Creek
Upper Juniata River
Tonoloway Creek
UpperCasselman
River
Standing Stone Creek
DunkardFork
Sideling Hill Creek
Bobs Creek
West Branch Conococheague
Creek
North Fork Little Beaver Creek
Sideling Hill Creek
Quemahoning Creek
Blacklog Creek
Middle R
aystow
n
Branch
Junia
ta Rive
r
Kishacoquillas Creek
Lower Frankstown
Branch Juniata River
Beaverdam Branch Juniata River
Great Trough Creek
Upper Raystown Branch Juniata River
LowerRaystown
Branch Juniata River
Upper Conodoguinet Creek
Rocky Marsh Run-Potomac River
Upper West Branch
Susquehanna River
FifteenmileCreek
Bald Eagle Creek
UpperFrankstown
Branch Juniata River
Lower Youghiogheny
River
West Virginia Fork Fish Creek Little Tonoloway Creek-Potomac River
Robinson Fork-Enlow Fork
Cowanshannock Creek
Rocky Spring Branch-
Back Creek
North Branch Blacklick Creek
South Fork Little Conemaugh
Little Connoquenessing Creek Fishing CreekMill Creek-Mahoning River
Middle Grave Creek-
Grave Creek
Slippery Rock Creek Mahoning Creek
Pennsylvania HUC8 and HUC10 Watersheds, SW
0 25 50 75 100Kilometers
HUC 8
State BorderHUC 10
1086| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Dwarf WedgemusselAlasmidonta heterodon
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G1G2 State Rank S1
IUCN Red List VU Vulnerable
Northeast Region Very High Concern / High Responsibility
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of dwarf wedgemussel in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Large River
Macrogroup Large Rivers
Secondary
Habitat
Federal Status Endangered
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Medium Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151087| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Dwarf Wedgemussel Alasmidonta heterodon
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Water management in New York's Pepacton and Cannonsville Reservoirs.
Action
Implement the Dwarf Wedgemussel Management Plan.
Objective
In the next two years develop a water management plan that will protect the full life-history of the species.
Measure
Development of a water management plan
Monitoring
Suitable habitat availability; A. heterodon population (abundance).
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: U. Delaware, Mid. Delaware-Mongaup-Broadhead
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
Specific Threat: Invasive species, Didymo (Didymosphenia polymorpha).
Action
Education and outreach.
Objective
Educational kiosks, signage, gear cleaning stations, felt sole wader ban
Measure
At least one kiosk explaining the Didymo threat, 2 or more cleaning stations, and a ban of the use of felt sole waders.
Monitoring
Construction of kiosks and cleaning station along with a ban on the use of felt sole waders.
Priority
2
IUCN Threat: 8.0 Invasive and Other Problematic Species and Genes
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: U. Delaware, Mid. Delaware-Mongaup-Broadhead
Associated Species: Darter hosts, eastern pearlshell and its salmonid hosts (e.g., eastern brook trout).
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151088| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Dwarf Wedgemussel Alasmidonta heterodon
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: U. Delaware, Mid. Delaware-Mongaup-Broadhead
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Determine the extent of dwarf wedgemussel distribution in the upper Delaware River. USGS and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) have detected the dwarf wedgemussel in the Upper Delaware River nearly to the confluence of the East and West Branch Delaware rivers. Working with the National Park Service and USGS, additional surveys targeting specific habitats are necessary to determine the range of the mussel's distribution.
2. Address data gaps in the Delaware River from the Delaware Water Gap downstream to Trenton, New Jersey. Collate existing data (USGS, Delaware Estuary Program, etc.) and determine existing data gaps that occur along the mainstream Delaware River and target these gaps with additional qualitative surveys to detect dwarf wedgemussel.
3. Survey Princess Run near Kunkletown, PA.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151089| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Northern RiffleshellEpioblasma torulosa rangiana
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G2 State Rank S2
IUCN Red List NE Not Evaluated
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of northern riffleshell in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Large River
Macrogroup Large Rivers
Secondary
Warm, Medium RiverHabitat
Medium Rivers
Federal Status Endangered
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Medium Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151090| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Northern Riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Allegheny River and Shenango River basin water management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) and PADCNR on flow management via the Kinzua Reservoir and the Pymatuning and Shenango River Lake reservoirs.
Objective
Develop Shenango and Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Disturbances during bridge construction projects.
Action
Coordinate with PennDOT, permitting agencies, counties, and municipalities to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during bridge projects.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with state and local authorities.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151091| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Northern Riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Open-cut pipeline stream crossngs.
Action
Coordinate with developers and permitting agencies via the environmental review process to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during pipeline stream crossings.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with developers and permitting agencies.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
2
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151092| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Northern Riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Sedimentation and eutrophication.
Action
Implement Ag. Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Objective
Develop list of priority parcels for outreach and BMP implementation for French Creek watershed.
Measure
List of priority parcels.
Monitoring
Number of priority parcels where BMPs are either planned or implemented.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 2.0 Agriculture and Aquaculture
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. No new surveys anticipated.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
Hunter Station Mussel Relocation Pilot Study
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Stocking density, survival, and growth are being assessed using 3x4 factorial complete random block design wherein a total of 90 mussels are placed into a staked grid at three sites on the Shenango River and two sites on Conewango Creek.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151093| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
SnuffboxEpioblasma triquetra
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G3 State Rank S2
IUCN Red List NE Not Evaluated
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of snuffbox in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Medium River
Macrogroup Medium Rivers
Secondary
Low Gradient, Cool, Small RiverHabitat
Small Rivers
Federal Status Endangered
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Medium Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151094| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Snuffbox Epioblasma triquetra
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Allegheny River and Shenango River basin water management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) and PADCNR on flow management via the Kinzua Reservoir and the Pymatuning and Shenango River Lake reservoirs.
Objective
Develop Shenango and Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Shenango
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Sedimentation due to agricultural and livestock farming in the French Creek and Shenango River basins.
Action
Implement Ag. Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Objective
Develop list of priority parcels for outreach and BMP implementation for French Creek watershed.
Measure
List of priority parcels.
Monitoring
Number of priority parcels where BMPs are either planned or implemented.
Priority
2
IUCN Threat: 2.0 Agriculture and Aquaculture
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Shenango
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151095| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Snuffbox Epioblasma triquetra
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Shenango
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. No new surveys anticipated.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151096| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Eastern PearlshellMargaritifera margaritifera
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G4 State Rank S1S2
IUCN Red List EN Endangered
Northeast Region High Concern / Low Responsibility
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of eastern pearlshell in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Low Gradient, Cool, Headwaters and Creeks
Macrogroup Headwaters and Creeks
Secondary
Habitat
Federal Status Not Listed
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Headwaters and creeks with suitable eastern brook trout habitat.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151097| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Eastern Pearlshell Margaritifera margaritifera
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Flow alteration and catastrophic failure.
Action
Learn about the life expectancy of the Locust Lake dam.
Objective
Talk with DCNR.
Measure
Speaking with someone from DCNR.
Monitoring
Obtaining dam resiliency information.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC10 Watershed: Little Schuylkill R., U. Delaware R. (U. Delaware)
Associated Species: Salmonid host fish (e.g., eastern brook trout)
Specific Threat: Agricultural practices (e.g., livestock management) near Locust Lake.
Action
Establish contact with landowners and engage them on their willingness to adopt stream crossing BMPs for agricultural lands. If willing, implement BMPs for stream crossings and establish streambank fencing, tree plantings, etc.
Objective
In the next two years identify potential funding sources and then reach out and try to engage landowners.
Measure
Line up funding sources and contact landowners.
Monitoring
Landowner willingness to implement BMPs (then note Yes/No). Cows being removed from stream and maintenance of BMPs.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 2.0 Agriculture and Aquaculture
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC10 Watershed: Little Schuylkill R.
Associated Species: Salmonid host fish (e.g., eastern brook trout)
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151098| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Eastern Pearlshell Margaritifera margaritifera
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Flooding events.
Action
Coordinate flood kill investigations with DCNR.
Objective
Coordination
Measure
Making contact
Monitoring
Documentation of flood-related kill.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 11.0 Climate Change and Severe Weather
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC10 Watershed: Little Schuylkill R., U. Delaware R. (U. Delaware)
Associated Species: Salmonid host fish (e.g., eastern brook trout)
Specific Threat: Climate change and associated changes in precipation and temperature.
Action
If effects of climate change are realized, then discussions with state and provincial (Canadian) partners in cooler climates should be pursued to ascertain if these northern populations could be augmented or restored using Pennsylvania stock. Pennsylvania habitat would have been determined unsuitable for this species.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Making contact
Monitoring
Movement of mussels from Pennsylvania.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 11.0 Climate Change and Severe Weather
TRACS Action 8.0 Outreach
Action Location: HUC10 Watershed: Little Schuylkill R., U. Delaware R. (U. Delaware)
Associated Species: Salmonid host fish (e.g., eastern brook trout)
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Evaluate reintroduction and augmentation efforts. The need for this research is dependent upon the results of an ongoing Western Pennsylvania Conservancy study (2014-2015).
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151099| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Eastern Pearlshell Margaritifera margaritifera
SURVEY NEEDS
1. A State and Tribal Wildlife Grant project is scheduled to be completed in 2015. Pending the outcome of this work, no surveys are anticipated.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151100| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Round HickorynutObovaria subrotunda
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G4 State Rank S1
IUCN Red List NT Near Threatened
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of round HIckorynut in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Medium River
Macrogroup Medium Rivers
Secondary
Moderate Gradient, Cool, Small RiverHabitat
Small Rivers
Federal Status Not Listed
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Large Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151101| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Round Hickorynut Obovaria subrotunda
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Shenango River basin water management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) and PADCNR on Pymatuning and Shenango River Lake reservoirs flow management issues.
Objective
Develop Shenango and Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Shenango
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Open-cut pipeline stream crossngs.
Action
Coordinate with developers and permitting agencies via the environmental review process to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during pipeline stream crossings.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with developers and permitting agencies.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Shenango
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151102| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Round Hickorynut Obovaria subrotunda
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Shenango
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
2. If appropriate and necessary, develop protocols for population augmentation via captive propagation and streamside infestations.
1. Determine if there are proximate causes for the decline of this species in the Shenango River near Shenango River Lake. If causes are identified, then evaluate for conservation actions to address specific threats.
3. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Conduct a mussel survey of Crooked Creek, a historical round hickorynut stream. Crooked Creek was last surveyed by Bogan and Proch in the 1990s. An updated survey is necessary to determine the composition and extent of the existing mussel fauna, identify threats, and to identify restoration opportunities.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151103| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
SheepnosePlethobasus cyphyus
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G3 State Rank S1S2
IUCN Red List NT Near Threatened
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Threatened
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of sheepnose in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
North-Central Appalachian Acidic Swamp
Macrogroup Northern Swamp
Secondary
Habitat
Federal Status Threatened
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Large Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151104| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Sheepnose Plethobasus cyphyus
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Open-cut pipeline stream crossngs.
Action
Coordinate with developers and permitting agencies via the environmental review process to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during pipeline stream crossings.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with developers and permitting agencies.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Disturbances during bridge construction projects.
Action
Coordinate with PennDOT, permitting agencies, counties, and municipalities to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during bridge projects.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with state and local authorities.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151105| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Sheepnose Plethobasus cyphyus
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Allegheny River basinwater management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) on flow management via the Kinzua Reservoir.
Objective
Develop Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Identify host fish species for the sheepnose. Watters et al. (2009) noted only two known hosts - central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum) and sauger (Sander canadensis). Additional cyprinids or percids are suspected to be hosts given the small, lanceolate conglutinates that the sheepnose expels to attract host fish.
2. Upon completion of a distribution survey, determine the factors that influence the distribution of sheepnose in the Allegheny River.
3. Concurrent with a distribution study, conduct a Sheepnose population status in the Allegheny River including demographics, genetics, etc.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151106| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Sheepnose Plethobasus cyphyus
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Determine the extent of sheepnose distribution in the Allegheny River. sheepnose is currently known from the vicinity of Franklin and Oil City extending upstream to Tionesta. The actual extent of the species distribution is unknown but needs to be determined in order to begin to identify and address any threats.
2. Surveys are encompassed as part of Ohio River mussel survey (2015-2018).
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151107| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
ClubshellPleurobema clava
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G2 State Rank S2
IUCN Red List CR Critically Endangere
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of clubshell in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Large River
Macrogroup Large Rivers
Secondary
Low Gradient, Warm, Headwaters and Creeks
Habitat
Headwaters and Creeks
Federal Status Endangered
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Medium Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151108| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Clubshell Pleurobema clava
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Open-cut pipeline stream crossngs.
Action
Coordinate with developers and permitting agencies via the environmental review process to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during pipeline stream crossings.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with developers and permitting agencies.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Disturbances during bridge construction projects.
Action
Coordinate with PennDOT, permitting agencies, counties, and municipalities to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during bridge projects.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with state and local authorities.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151109| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Clubshell Pleurobema clava
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Allegheny River and Shenango River basin water management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) and PADCNR on flow management via the Kinzua Reservoir and the Pymatuning and Shenango River Lake reservoirs.
Objective
Develop Shenango and Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
2
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151110| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Clubshell Pleurobema clava
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Sedimentation and eutrophication.
Action
Implement Ag. Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Objective
Develop list of priority parcels for outreach and BMP implementation for French Creek watershed.
Measure
List of priority parcels.
Monitoring
Number of priority parcels where BMPs are either planned or implemented.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 2.0 Agriculture and Aquaculture
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location:
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Assess the ecological capacity of Neshannock Creek to support a freshwater mussel community, including a clubshell population. This should be determined following completion of a mussel community survey. This information would assist with evaluating whether this creek could become an additional receiving stream for adults or propagated juveniles.
2. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Conduct a mussel survey of Neshannock Creek, a historical stream. Recent mussel surveys by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy have documented a few individual mussels during opportunistic surveys. A systematic survey of Neshannock Creek is appropriate to determine the presence of clubshell or its habitat and to identify potential areas for restoration.
2. Conduct survey of suitable habitat in Loyalhanna River Watershed.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151111| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Clubshell Pleurobema clava
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
Hunter Station Mussel Relocation Pilot Study
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Stocking density, survival, and growth are being assessed using 3x4 factorial complete random block design wherein a total of 90 mussels are placed into a staked grid at three sites on the Shenango River and two sites on Conewango Creek.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151112| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
RabbitsfootQuadrula cylindrica cylindrica
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G3 State Rank S1S2
IUCN Red List NT Near Threatened
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of rabbitsfoot in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Large River
Macrogroup Large Rivers
Secondary
Warm, Medium RiverHabitat
Medium Rivers
Federal Status Threatened
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Medium Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151113| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Rabbitsfoot Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Shenango River basinwater management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) and PA DCNR on flow management via the Kinzua Reservoir and the Pymatuning and Shenango River Lake reservoirs.
Objective
Develop Shenango and Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Sedimentation from agricultural runoff and livestock farming in the French Creek and Shenango River basins.
Action
Implement Ag. Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Objective
Develop list of priority parcels for outreach and BMP implementation for French Creek watershed.
Measure
List of priority parcels.
Monitoring
Number of priority parcels where BMPs are either planned or implemented.
Priority
2
IUCN Threat: 2.0 Agriculture and Aquaculture
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151114| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Rabbitsfoot Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: French, Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Determine the extent of rabbitfoot distribution in the Allegheny River. The Allegheny River mussel community has been well-surveyed but the habitats for this particular species generally occurs near the banks and has been under-sampled due to survey designs intended to sample cross-sections of the river.
2. Determine the extent of rabbitfoot distribution in the Shenango River upstream of Kidds Mill Road. The Shenango River mussel community has been well-surveyed (Nelson & Villella 2010) but the habitat for this particular species generally occurs near the banks and has been under-sampled due to survey designs intended to sample cross-sections of the river. USFWS has proposed designating as critical habitat the portion of the Shenango River downstream of Kidds Mill Road (RF 32). Determining the actual extent of the species distribution in the Shenango River will inform PFBC and USFWS protection efforts.
3. Surveys are encompassed as part of Ohio River mussel survey (2015-2018).
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151115| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
PistolgripQuadrula verrucosa
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G4G5 State Rank S1
IUCN Red List NE Not Evaluated
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of pistolgrip in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Low Gradient, Warm, Headwaters and Creeks
Macrogroup Headwaters and Creeks
Secondary
Low Gradient, Warm, Small RiverHabitat
Small Rivers
Federal Status Not Listed
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Medium Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151116| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Pistolgrip Quadrula verrucosa
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Shenango River basinwater management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) and PADCNR on Pymatuning and Shenango River Lake reservoir flow management.
Objective
Develop Shenango and Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Shenango, U. Ohio
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Open-cut pipeline stream crossngs.
Action
Coordinate with developers and permitting agencies via the environmental review process to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during pipeline stream crossings.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with developers and permitting agencies.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Shenango, U. Ohio
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151117| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Pistolgrip Quadrula verrucosa
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Shenango, U. Ohio
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Develop protocols for population augmentation via captive propagation and streamside infestations.
2. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Determine the extent of pistolgrip distribution in the Ohio River's Dashields pool. The pistolgrip was detected during a 2014 pre-dredging survey. The extent of the species distribution in the Dashields pool is unknown.
2. Beaver River mussel surveys. Using systematic qualitative surveys, determine what, if any, distribution the pistolgrip may have in the Beaver River (Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Pennsylvania). The survey would begin at the river's formation at the confluence of the Shenango and Mahoning Rivers and proceed systematically downriver to the confluence with the Ohio RIver.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151118| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Salamander MusselSimpsonaias ambigua
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G3 State Rank S1
IUCN Red List NE Not Evaluated
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of salamander mussel in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Large River
Macrogroup Large Rivers
Secondary
Moderate Gradient, Warm, Small River
Habitat
Small Rivers
Federal Status Not Listed
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Large Rivers, with shelter rock.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151119| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Salamander Mussel Simpsonaias ambigua
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Open-cut pipeline stream crossngs.
Action
Coordinate with developers and permitting agencies via the environmental review process to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during pipeline stream crossings.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with developers and permitting agencies.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Lwr Allegheny, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Commercial sand and gravel dredging.
Action
Continue development of the Significant Mussel Resource concept for the Adaptive Management Group, develop state-listed mussel consultation process.
Objective
To establish protection for concentrations of non-listed species and a consultation process for state-listed species.
Measure
Completiong of SMR classication system and final state-listed species consultation process.
Monitoring
Completion of Significant Mussel Resource classification system, development of a state-listed mussel species consultation process.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 3.0 Energy Production and Mining
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Lwr Allegheny, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151120| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Salamander Mussel Simpsonaias ambigua
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Lwr Allegheny, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Determine the status of the salamander mussel host, the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus), in the Allegheny River, Ohio River, French Creek, and Dunkard Creek.
3. Experiment with the use of artificial habitat for mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) host and salamander mussels.
2. If appropriate and necessary, develop protocols for population augmentations via captive propagation and streamside infestations.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Conduct a salamander mussel survey in Conneaut Creek, Erie County, Pennsylvania. The Ohio portion of this stream has been reported to harbor salamander mussels. A systematic qualitative survey targeting shelter rock habitats beginning at the Pennsylvania border and moving upstream would be appropriate to 1) detect occurrences, 2) detect presence/absence of mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) hosts, and 3) map actual and potential habitat that could be targeted for protection or restoration.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151121| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Rayed BeanVillosa fabalis
Nevin Welte
PA Fish & Boat Commission/ Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Global Rank G1G2 State Rank S1S2
IUCN Red List EN Endangered
Northeast Region Not NE Regional SGCN
PA Legal Status Endangered
CONSERVATION PROFILE
Conservation Goal:
Maintain and protect extant populations of rayed bean in the Commonwealth and provide sufficient distribution to adequately secure the species and allow its removal from the Pennsylvania list of endangered species.
Photo: Nevin Welte
HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
Primary
Warm, Large River
Macrogroup Large Rivers
Secondary
Low Gradient, Cool, Small RiverHabitat
Small Rivers
Federal Status Endangered
PA Abundance Unknown
PA Short-Term Trend (10 year)
Unknown
Specific Habitat Requirements:
Medium Rivers.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151122| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Rayed Bean Villosa fabalis
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Open-cut pipeline stream crossngs.
Action
Coordinate with developers and permitting agencies via the environmental review process to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during pipeline stream crossings.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with developers and permitting agencies.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Disturbances during bridge construction projects.
Action
Coordinate with PennDOT, permitting agencies, counties, and municipalities to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to mussels during bridge projects.
Objective
Coordination.
Measure
Continued coordination with state and local authorities.
Monitoring
Continued coordination.
Priority
1
IUCN Threat: 4.0 Transportation and Service Corridors
TRACS Action 1.0 Coordination and Administration
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151123| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Rayed Bean Villosa fabalis
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Altered flow regimes, Allegheny River basinwater management.
Action
Continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Pittsburgh District) and PADCNR on flow management via the Kinzua Reservoir.
Objective
Develop Allegheny River conservation flow management plan.
Measure
Development of a water management plan.
Monitoring
Implementation of recommendations.
Priority
2
IUCN Threat: 7.0 Natural System Modifications
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish, mussels, and invertebrates.
Specific Threat: Single catastrophic event, unregulated or poorly regulated discharges.
Action
Mussel kill investigation.
Objective
Investigate incidents, pursue damages if appropriate, and restore streams.
Measure
2 or fewer kill investigations.
Monitoring
Effectiveness of any actions depends upon the cessation of the pollutant(s) and elimination of the threat.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 9.0 Pollution
TRACS Action 11.0 Technical Assistance
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151124| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
Rayed Bean Villosa fabalis
THREATS AND ACTIONS
Specific Threat: Sedimentation and eutrophication.
Action
Implement Ag. Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Objective
Develop list of priority parcels for outreach and BMP implementation for French Creek watershed.
Measure
List of priority parcels.
Monitoring
Number of priority parcels where BMPs are either planned or implemented.
Priority
3
IUCN Threat: 2.0 Agriculture and Aquaculture
TRACS Action 2.0 Direct Management of Natural Resources
Action Location: HUC8 Watershed: Mid. Allegheny-Tionesta, Mid. Allegheny-Redbank
Associated Species: Host fish, other fish and mussels.
RESEARCH NEEDS
1. Continue to research the identification of host fish species for the rayed bean.
2. If appropriate and necessary, develop protocols for population augmentations via captive propagation and streamside infestations.
3. Determine a federal water quality standard for chloride that is protective of this species.
SURVEY NEEDS
1. Conduct additional surveys of Conewango Creek near Russell, Pennsylvania. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (Meyer 2010) recently conducted a qualitative survey of Conewango Creek. The WPC survey indicated a diverse Conewango Creek mussel fauna but did not detect rayed bean. Additional, but targeted, qualitative searches near its historical location at Russell, Pennsylvania (Ortmann 1919) are warranted to determine the probable presence/absence of this species in Conewango Creek.
MONITORING PROGRAMS
Program Name Lead Agency Hyperlink Description
No Current Monitoring Programs
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION
Published September 20151125| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
REFERENCES
Mussels
Dwarf Wedgemussel
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Northern Riffleshell
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Snuffbox
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Eastern Pearlshell
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. 2015. Assessment of Eastern Pearl Shell distributions, populations, genetic diversity and habitat. A State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (# F13AF00473) project administered by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Round Hickorynut
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION1126| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
REFERENCES
Sheepnose
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Watters, G. T., M. A. Hoggarth, and D. H. Stansbery. 2009. The Freshwater Mussels of Ohio. The Ohio State University Press, Columbus, Ohio.
Clubshell
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Rabbitsfoot
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Nelson II, R. G. and R. F. Villella. 2010. Assess the presence and potential habitat for reintroduction of priority freshwater mussel species in the Shenango River. 2010 Final Report. USGS Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, West Virginia.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Pistolgrip
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Salamander Mussel
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION1127| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
REFERENCES
Rayed Bean
Meyer, E.S. 2010. Freshwater Mussel Survey of Conewango Creek. Final Report. State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Project T-26-R-1. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
NatureServe. 2015. Biotics Database. Arlington, VA. Available from http://www.natureserve.org/.
Ortmann, A. E. 1919. A monograph of the naiads of Pennsylvania. Part III: Systematic account of the genera and species. Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum 8:xvi-384.
PNHP (Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program). 2015. Pennsylvania Mussel Database. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION PENNSYLVANIA FISH & BOAT COMMISSION1128| Appendix 1.4 Mussels
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