Award purposethe purpose of this award is to implement the cumberland bean (venustaconcha troostensis) recovery plan, ensuring the conservation and recovery of this federally endangered freshwater…

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (CFDA 15.657 - Endangered Species Recovery Implementation) provides $300,000 to implement the Cumberland Bean (Venustaconcha troostensis) Recovery Plan. The key activities include:

Conducting population surveys and long-term monitoring of the endangered Cumberland Bean mussel species. Restoring critical habitats by reducing sedimentation, improving water quality, and addressing nonpoint source pollution. Propagating and reintroducing juvenile mussels to augment declining populations. Educating local communities and stakeholders on the ecological importance of freshwater mussels and conservation needs. Collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to integrate recovery efforts with watershed-level management initiatives.

The project aims to improve habitat quality, increase survival rates for the Cumberland Bean, produce a comprehensive population assessment report, successfully propagate and reintroduce juvenile mussels, and heighten public awareness and engagement in freshwater mussel conservation. The prime awardee is the Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Inc., a non-profit organization specializing in aquatic ecosystem conservation and endangered species preservation.

Award purposethe purpose of this award is to implement the cumberland bean (venustaconcha troostensis) recovery plan, ensuring the conservation and recovery of this federally endangered freshwater mussel species. This project aims to address key threats, restore critical habitats, and secure sustainable population levels to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health.activities to be performedproject activities include: conducting population surveys and long-term monitoring of cumberland bean mussels. Restoring critical habitat areas by reducing sedimentation, improving water quality, and addressing nonpoint source pollution. Propagating and reintroducing juvenile mussels to augment declining populations. Educating local communities, stakeholders, and partners on the ecological importance of freshwater mussels and conservation needs. Collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to integrate recovery efforts with watershed-level management initiatives.expected deliverables or outcomeskey outcomes include: improved habitat quality and increased survival rates for the cumberland bean across its range. A comprehensive population assessment report, detailing recovery benchmarks and population trends. Successful propagation and reintroduction of juvenile mussels to strengthen natural populations. Heightened public awareness and engagement in freshwater mussel conservation, measured by outreach participation and feedback.intended beneficiaries the cumberland bean, alongside other aquatic species that benefit from habitat restoration and improved water quality. Local communities relying on the health of aquatic ecosystems for recreation, agriculture, and economic activities. Conservation stakeholders, including environmental organizations, through enhanced collaboration and shared best practicessubrecipient activities conducting genetic research to ensure population diversity in propagated mussels. Implementing targeted streambank stabilization or watershed restoration projects. Providing technical expertise in propagation and reintroduction methodologies. This project reflects the commitment to preserving freshwater biodiversity while supporting ecosystem resilience and community well-being.