This project will evaluate multiple biotic metrics for freshwater fish and mussels develop and test multi metric indices that can be applied across illinois streams and analyze developed multi…

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources received a $511,425 Formula Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the State Wildlife Grants Program (CFDA 15.634), effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. This project will develop and validate multi-metric indices for assessing freshwater fish and mussel populations across Illinois streams, with particular focus on identifying sensitive species and analyzing the responsiveness of these metrics to anthropogenic stressors. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will serve as a sub-grantee, leveraging academic expertise to support the research and assessment components of the initiative.

The expected outcomes include improved understanding of sensitive fish and mussel species distributions and ecological responses, which will directly support enhanced management strategies for these populations throughout Illinois. The multi-metric indices developed through this project will provide state resource managers with standardized, scientifically-defensible tools for monitoring stream health and fish/mussel community condition, enabling more effective conservation and management decisions across the state's freshwater ecosystems.

This project will evaluate multiple biotic metrics for freshwater fish and mussels develop and test multi metric indices that can be applied across illinois streams and analyze developed multi metric indices responsiveness to gradients in anthropogenic stressors. Expected benefits are a better understanding of sensitive fish and mussel species and improved management of these species. University of illinois urbana champaign is an expected subgrantee of this project.