The goals of this project are described below. (1) Habitat and Mussel Population Surveys. Complete habitat and mussel population surveys at all locations where DHAs are/will be established during construction of AOC Fish and Wildlife Habitat restoration management actions. The following nine management actions on the LGBFR AOC Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Populations MAL include DHA actions related to native freshwater unionid mussels. Habitat conditions and current mussel assemblages will be assessed at each of the following project sites: UWGB Complex; Joliet Park; Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and Renard Island; Fox River Heritage; De Pere Dam Reef and Wetland; Ashwaubenon and Dutchman Creek; Duck Creek Delta Wetland Restoration; Duck Creek Tributary Enhancements; Longtail Point Beach Restoration and Reefs; Building from previous studies, a set of criteria will be established for assessing habitat suitability to support all life stages of each species considered for propagation. The contractor will assess substrate composition, present mussel assemblage, zebra mussel abundance and other habitat factors deemed important and feasible through coordination with the Mussel Tech Team. Collected information will be coupled with data available from other sources on the presence of suitable fish hosts and water quality. (2) Broodstock Collection. Collect broodstock for propagation efforts of target mussel species. The Mussel Tech Team will determine selection criteria and identify two to three native mussel species to target for eventual release at habitat restoration sites within the LGBFR AOC. Broodstock for target species will be collected and transferred to USFWS at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery (GNFH) for propagation. (3) Juvenile Growth and Survival Trial. Conduct juvenile growth and survival trials with propagated mussels at potential reintroduction or augmentation project sites. After the first year of propagation, juveniles will be transferred from the GNFH to the LGBFR AOC for in situ survival and growth trials. Results from these trials will be used to determine if project sites provide suitable habitat and environmental conditions for successful reintroductions.
