Northwest Conservation Program Begins Mussel Study

Many freshwater mussel in the Allegheny watershed are either federally endangered and/or species of concern in Pennsylvania. WPC's Natural Heritage Program recently obtained a State Wildlife Grant to survey freshwater mussel populations in the navigational pools in the lower Allegheny River to collect data on physical stream parameters: depth, flow, substrate composition, and to conduct habitat mapping at our mussel study sites. The proposed project will improve the knowledge of regionally and globally imperiled freshwater mussels.

Our research will provide information that will aid in monitoring and restoration efforts for imperiled freshwater mussels in the Allegheny River watershed. Associated habitat information will benefit the public as well as resource managers from various agencies. For example, regulatory agencies can use information collected to revise commercial gravel dredging permits and to help establish protective buffers for these species. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission placed freshwater mussels as a top priority fauna for conservation, and will be able to use the comprehensive information gained from these surveys in developing conservation plans. The data will also allow for future restoration initiatives in providing a thorough snapshot of information on contemporary mussel populations. It will also provide demographic information necessary to establish population and community profiles for mussels in the lower Allegheny River.

For more detailed information on the study, see Allegheny Pools Mussel Project on the Northwest Conservation Programs section of the Resource Conservation page of on our website.

Donation request !!

WPC has been awarded a State Wildlife Grant to assess the freshwater mussels in the lower Allegheny River. But the research can't be done without a boat. WPC is seeking the donation or loan of a boat to make the project possible.

Wanted:
Boat and Motor
The study requires a boat of ample size and in good condition for large river navigation. The craft will carry as many as four staff and scuba diving equipment. Ideally, the boat should be in the range of 15-20 feet in length and be equipped with a strong engine.
Trailer
A boat trailer is also needed to haul the boat between river study segments in Armstrong County.
Truck or Van
A vehicle is needed with sufficient power to tow a boat between river study segments in Armstrong County and up to our Northwest Field Station in Erie County.

If you have a boat to offer to the cause of river conservation, please call Ryan Evans (412-586-2332). Because WPC is a nonprofit charitable organization, the donor of the boat would be eligible to take a tax deduction. WPC reserves the right to reject offers of boats, vehicles, and equipment that are not suitable for our needs.

Read the latest e-CONSERVE	Get our free December Screen Calendar	Explore the more than 804 Morning Tidbits	Our screensaver blends nature and science	Holiday Gift Ideas at the Fallingwater Museum Shop

E-mail Today's WPC Morning Tidbit to a Friend!

Sign Up for the WPC Morning Tidbit

Play "How Well Do You Know Your Western Pa. Trees?"
Play "How Well Do You Know Your Western Pa. Birds?"