Native Mussel Conservation Concerns and Management Needs in National Parks of the Midwest Region
Joganic JL and Lafrancois BM . 2026. Native Mussel Conservation Concerns and Management Needs in National Parks of the Midwest Region. Science Report. NPS/SR—2026/376. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2316514
Over 300 species of freshwater mussels (order Unionida) are native to North America, and more than two-thirds of those are endangered, threatened, or of special conservation concern. Common threats include systematic habitat destruction and population fragmentation resulting from historic river impoundment, ongoing point source pollution and other factors contributing to water quality decline, competition with aquatic invasive species, and past large-scale consumptive use. Numerous population extirpations and species extinctions have been documented in recent decades, but because unionids are long lived, the full effect of these threats is expected to last well into the 21st century. There is a growing recognition among conservation professionals that active management of aquatic environments is needed to temper declines in mussel species abundance and diversity. Public lands are an area where freshwater mussel refugia could be developed and different management options evaluated for feasibility and efficacy. As a first step toward understanding the extent and magnitude of management concerns in relation to unionids within federally managed waterways, a short survey was administered to park units within the Midwest Region of the National Park Service. A total of 26 staff members at individual parks responded, as well as an additional three who submitted surveys on behalf of multiple units, such as the National Wild and Scenic River System. Results indicate that mussel presence has been confirmed at 75% of responding units through either field observation or official species inventories. The greatest issue perceived by natural resource managers that threatens mussel population health and conservation in park units bordering the Great Lakes was identified as aquatic invasive species, while other parks in the Midwest cited either instream habitat degradation or water quality decline as the most urgent perceived concerns. The vast majority (80%) of responding parks requested technical assistance from the region, with the most common requests being for help with conducting species inventories, mussel habitat surveys, riparian habitat restoration, and reintroductions of native mussel species. The geographic distribution of submitted responses was examined to identify relevant patterns. The purpose of this report is to provide both regional and park staff with a planning tool for designing conservation targets and identifying project partners. Survey results can be used in conjunction with species distributions documented across parks in the region to develop multi-unit funding proposals, monitoring programs, and management goals for improving the long-term viability of unionid populations located within freshwaters protected by the National Park Service.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Joganic, Jessica; Lafrancois, Brenda
- Date of Issue
- 2026-01
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- DOI
- 10.36967/2316514
- Units
- AGFO , APIS , ARPO , BADL , BRVB , BUFF , CAJO , CHPO , CHRO , CHSC , CHYO , CUVA , DAAV , DABE , EFMO , FAMA , FATI , FILA , FOLS , FOSC , FOSM , FOUS , GERO , GRPO , GWCA , HEHO , HOCU , HOME , HOSP , HSTR , IATR , ICAG , ILMI , INDU , INPE , ISRO , JAGA , JECA , JEFF , KEWE , KNRI , LECL , LIBO , LIHO , MIMI , MISS , MNRR , MORU , MWR , NEPH , NICO , NIMI , NIOB , NOCO , OZAR , PERI , PEVI , PIPE , PIRO , PULL , RIRA , RRBH , SACN , SCBL , SLBE , SPRA , STGE , TAPR , THRO , ULSG , VOYA , WAHA , WICA , WICL , WICR , WIHO , WSEIGH , WSLOFA , WSMISO , WSNIOB , WSSACR , WSSUAS , WSTAUN , WSWBFA , WSWEST
- Keywords
- aquatic invasive species, GLKN General, habitat restoration, habitat suitability, host fish, mussels, reintroduction, riparian, species inventory, unionids, water quality