Minnesota Statewide Mussel (Bivalvia: Unionidae) Survey and Long-Term Monitoring Design 2005 - 2009: Final Report

摘要

Freshwater mussels were surveyed at 534 river and lake sites of Minnesota's major river drainages, effectively completing an initial survey of the state. A total of 83,868 live mussels of 35 species were collected, as well as an additional nine species as dead specimens only. Populations of 10 Endangered or Threatened, and five Special Concern species were found, including new populations for the Federally endangered Higgins' eye (Lampsilis higginsii) and Federal candidate sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus). New additions to Minnesota's mussel fauna included the 'rediscovery' of the lake floater (Pyganodon lacustris), and an as of yet unconfirmed, but probable Quadrula species from the lower Minnesota River. The first records of live flat floater (Anodonta suborbisculata) were also found. Areas of special or regional significance for their mussel assemblages included the Chippewa and Pomme de Terre rivers of the Minnesota River Drainage, and West Newton Chute of the Mississippi River. Monitoring methodology was developed and three long-term monitoring sites were established, one each on the Cannon and Chippewa rivers, and Newton Chute of the Mississippi River.