The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is designating approximately 3,814 river miles (6,138 kilometers) of occupied critical habitat for four freshwater mussels — rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This designation spans 17 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Critical habitat designations enable the Service and partners to support the conservation of imperiled species. Critical habitat does not affect land ownership nor create reserves or protected areas. Designation also does not authorize government or public access to private land. However, designations may affect development or other actions that involve federal agencies in planning, permitting, or implementation of those actions.
All four mussel species were listed as endangered species in 2012 under the Endangered Species Act. Threats to their survival include destruction or alteration of their river habitats due to dam construction and channelization, as well as pollution and competition from invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species . Mussels play a vital role in freshwater ecosystems — they serve as indicators of stream health and help maintain water quality by filtering food, sediment and pollutants from the water.
The rayed bean is a small mussel, measuring only about 1.5 inches and lives up to 15 years. Historically found in at least 115 streams, rivers, and other water bodies, its range has sharply declined to 37 streams.
The sheepnose mussel can grow up to 5.5 inches long and live as long as 30 years. Once widespread across 79 streams, rivers, and a canal, its range has declined sharply to 22 waterways.
Snuffbox mussels are small, reaching less than 3 inches in length and living up to 20 years. Historically, they inhabited more than 210 streams, rivers, and other waterways, but now only occupy 85.
Spectaclecase mussels can grow up to 9 inches long and live more than 100 years. Their habitat has significantly declined by 60%, from 61 rivers and streams to about 40.
The proposed and final rules and other documents are available on www.regulations.gov by searching for the docket numberFWS–R3–ES–2024–0144.
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