The south carolina department of natural resources will use funds from this award to collect information on the distribution, habitat requirements, and life history of the carolina creekshell and…

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources received $158,069 in formula grant funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4) under the State Wildlife Grants Program (CFDA 15.634) for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. The primary deliverables include collection and analysis of distributional, habitat requirement, and life history data for two freshwater mussel species—the Carolina creekshell and notched rainbow—both designated as species of greatest conservation need under South Carolina's State Wildlife Action Plan.

The grant supports data collection and research activities that will inform the development of conservation and recovery strategies for these at-risk freshwater mussels. By establishing a scientific foundation regarding species distribution patterns and ecological requirements, the Department will provide state wildlife managers with evidence-based information necessary to design and implement targeted conservation interventions. This project aligns with the State Wildlife Grants Program's core objective of supporting proactive conservation measures for species of greatest conservation need to prevent their decline prior to requiring endangered species protections.

The south carolina department of natural resources will use funds from this award to collect information on the distribution, habitat requirements, and life history of the carolina creekshell and notched rainbow. These freshwater mussels are listed as species of greatest conservation need in south carolinas state wildlife action plan. With these data, managers may be able to develop conservation and recovery strategies for these species.