Detailed Research Information

Detailed project information for
Study Plan Number 02068

Branch : Aquatic Ecology Branch

Study Plan Number : 02068

Study Title : Survey protocol for estimating distribution, density, and abundance of freshwater mussels with emphasis on Federally listed species

Starting Date : 07/12/1999

Completion Date : 12/31/2001

Principal Investigator(s) : Villella, Rita; Smith, Dave R.; Lemarie, Dave; Weller, Dave;

Primary PI : Villella, Rita

Telephone Number : (304) 724-4472

Email Address : rita_villella@usgs.gov

SIS Number : 5004298

Primary Program Element : Endangered and At-Risk Species

Second Program Element : Fish and Aquatic Habitats

Status : Completed

Abstract : Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) proposes to replace the bridge crossing the Allegheny River at West Hickory and Hunter Station in Forest County. Replacement of bridge structures requires the demolition of the existing bridge, with construction of a new bridge either on the existing alignment or an alignment downstream of the existing bridge. This necessitates that, prior to construction, a survey be conducted for a Biological Assessment to determine the presence of threatened or endangered freshwater mussel species, potential impacts to the population, and the measures necessary to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the mussels. The Leetown Science Center conducted a freshwater mussel survey July 12-15, 1999 to determine distribution and density of listed species within the area of direct impact. The survey resulted in an estimated density of more than 9,000 Epioblasma torulosa rangiana (northern riffleshell) and 7,000 Pleurobema clava (clubshell). Several bridges are scheduled to be replaced on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. The Federally listed clubshell (Pleurobema clava) and the northern riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) freshwater mussels are known to be present in the river at several bridge locations. The goal of the study was to develop a new survey protocol for determining the species present, density and number of freshwater mussels in the area of the river that may be impacted by the bridge construction. We developed a two phase sampling protocol where the first phase of sampling is a rapid assessment using a timed search of the river bottom in the area of impact for the number of mussel species present. The second phase of sampling is a quantitative quadrat survey in the same area to determine the number of each mussel species present. The protocol resulted in finding the largest population known to date of both rare species as well as describing their locations in the river in the vicinity of the bridge. Products: A final report summarizing study results was submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. A manuscript titled “Survey protocol for assessment of endangered freshwater mussels in the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania” was published in 2001 in the Journal of the North American Benthological Society, volume 20, pages 118-132.

For More Information : http://www.lsc.usgs.gov/aeb/2068/

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Branch :	Aquatic Ecology Branch
Study Plan Number :	02068
Study Title :	Survey protocol for estimating distribution, density, and abundance of freshwater mussels with emphasis on Federally listed species
Starting Date :	07/12/1999
Completion Date :	12/31/2001
Principal Investigator(s) :	Villella, Rita; Smith, Dave R.; Lemarie, Dave; Weller, Dave;
Primary PI :	Villella, Rita
Telephone Number :	(304) 724-4472
Email Address :	rita_villella@usgs.gov
SIS Number :	5004298
Primary Program Element :	Endangered and At-Risk Species
Second Program Element :	Fish and Aquatic Habitats
Status :	Completed
Abstract :	Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) proposes to replace the bridge crossing the Allegheny River at West Hickory and Hunter Station in Forest County. Replacement of bridge structures requires the demolition of the existing bridge, with construction of a new bridge either on the existing alignment or an alignment downstream of the existing bridge. This necessitates that, prior to construction, a survey be conducted for a Biological Assessment to determine the presence of threatened or endangered freshwater mussel species, potential impacts to the population, and the measures necessary to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the mussels. The Leetown Science Center conducted a freshwater mussel survey July 12-15, 1999 to determine distribution and density of listed species within the area of direct impact. The survey resulted in an estimated density of more than 9,000 Epioblasma torulosa rangiana (northern riffleshell) and 7,000 Pleurobema clava (clubshell). Several bridges are scheduled to be replaced on the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. The Federally listed clubshell (Pleurobema clava) and the northern riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) freshwater mussels are known to be present in the river at several bridge locations. The goal of the study was to develop a new survey protocol for determining the species present, density and number of freshwater mussels in the area of the river that may be impacted by the bridge construction. We developed a two phase sampling protocol where the first phase of sampling is a rapid assessment using a timed search of the river bottom in the area of impact for the number of mussel species present. The second phase of sampling is a quantitative quadrat survey in the same area to determine the number of each mussel species present. The protocol resulted in finding the largest population known to date of both rare species as well as describing their locations in the river in the vicinity of the bridge. Products: A final report summarizing study results was submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. A manuscript titled “Survey protocol for assessment of endangered freshwater mussels in the Allegheny River, Pennsylvania” was published in 2001 in the Journal of the North American Benthological Society, volume 20, pages 118-132.
For More Information :	http://www.lsc.usgs.gov/aeb/2068/
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U.S. Department of the Interior \|\| U.S. Geological Survey 11700 Leetown Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA URL: http://www.lsc.usgs.gov Maintainer: lsc_webmaster@usgs.gov Last Modified: October 21, 2002 dwn Privacy Policy and Disclaimers \|\| FOIA \|\| Accessibility