New Mussel Protocols

Mussel survey season is almost upon us (May through September), and STONE’s staff, including federally-certified surveyors, is fully prepared for recent changes in the mussel survey protocol (https://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/licenses%20&%20permits/OH%20Mussel%20Survey%20Protocol.pdf). Changes include the following highlights:

 

  • Clarified that it is not sufficient to do a visual search for survey and relocation work: tactile survey methods must be employed to find buried and/or small mussels
  • Changed watershed trigger from >10 square miles to >5 square miles for unlisted streams
  • Added additional quality assurance field survey requirements for Group 2 and 4 surveys
  • Made it clear that all located species need to be photographed and included in report
  • Made it more stringent to obtain a State Permit
  • Included a new ODOT Report Form for Group 1 and 3 streams

 

If your project involves impacts to a stream with potential to contain freshwater mussels, STONE is available to help with your mussel survey needs!

“Very professional, always thinking out of the box offering suggestions to the project.”

John Dillenburg - ESAB Welding & Cutting Products, Inc.