Multi-state Spatial Database to Assess Threats to Mussels

Comprehensively being able to spatially display threats that exist throughout the region will help direct freshwater mussel protection and restoration efforts, greatly reducing the extinction risk for these species. This project will focus on the following eight listed mussel species in USFWS Region 3 which includes (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin):•Clubshell (Pleurobema clava) •Curtis’ Pearlymussel (Epioblasma florentina curtisi) •Higgins Eye Pearlymussel (Lampsilis higginsii) •Northern Riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) •Purple Cat’s Paw Pearlymussel (Epioblasma obliquata obliquata) •Scaleshell (Leptodea leptodon) •White Cat’s Paw Pearlymussel (Epioblasma obliquata perobliqua)•Winged Mapleleaf (Quadrula fragosa)The objectives of this project are (1) to create a GIS database of locations of these eight listed mussel species within USFWS Region 3; (2) to make available a GIS database of water quality information and threats that may be relevant to listed mussels; (3) to use GIS tools to identify where threats may be impacting mussels; and (4) to provide field biologists access to all of the data and analysis tools developed in an easy to use format.