Recipient name: west liberty universitycooperative agreement number: G24AC00474PROJECT title: burrowing crayfish surveys in new river gorge national parkproject period: 09 30 2024 through 09 29…

Recipient name: west liberty universitycooperative agreement number: G24AC00474PROJECT title: burrowing crayfish surveys in new river gorge national parkproject period: 09 30 2024 through 09 29 2025BUDGET period: 09 30 2024 through 09 29 2025AWARD purpose: crayfish are an ecologically significant and diverse group of organisms native to aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. The highest diversity of crayfish in the world occurs in north america, including biodiversity hotspots in the southeast and central appalachian mountains and the areas encompassed by new river gorge national park and preserve (NERI). Crayfish are experiencing decline at a dramatic, though often undocumented, rate due to habitat degradation, anthropogenic development, and introduction of nonnative speciesactivities to be performed:crayfish will be sampled in areas of new river gorge national park and preserve (NERI) with abandoned coal-mine discharges, including seeps and mine portal discharges. Sampling for primary burrowing (cambarus AFF. Dubius upland burrowing crayfish) will occur in areas of seepage and anthropogenic or naturally occurring wetlands headwater and small perennial streams will be sampled for secondary burrowing (cambarus AFF. Carinirostris rock crawfish). Invasive crayfish species (faxonius virilis virile crayfish faxonius sanborni sanborns crayfish) will be sampled wherever they are encountered within all waterbodies. All sampling will follow standard protocols consistent with those previously used in WV and by the loughman lab-- seine net, DIP net, and hand collection as conditions dictate.deliverables and expected outcomes:1.determine the occurrence and distribution of burrowing crayfish fauna of NERI. 2.provide park managers with information that will be used to minimize burrowing crayfish habitat damage during reclamation of abandoned mine lands and routine maintenance of roads, trails, and other land management activities. Intended beneficiary(IES)