This grant will fund two projects to benefit federally listed freshwater mussel species

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (Agfc) received a $163,998 project grant award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund program (CFDA 15.615) to support two freshwater mussel conservation projects in Arkansas. The funding will support Agfc's work to propagate and release juvenile mussels of three federally listed freshwater mussel species - the threatened Arkansas fatmucket, endangered Ouachita rock pocketbook, and endangered winged mapleleaf - in order to augment existing populations and help ensure the continued survival of these species. A portion of the award will also help Agfc refine propagation and culture techniques for the pink mucket and rabbitsfoot mussels. Additionally, the grant will fund a streambank stabilization project along the North Fork Saline River to reduce sedimentation and create a healthier aquatic habitat for the listed mussel species as well as other protected fish and wildlife that inhabit the stream. The period of performance for the projects is July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2026.

Arkansas has 14 federally listed species of freshwater mussels, many of which are in reproductive decline. Without increased emphasis on EX-situ species propagation and augmentation of current populations, many of these species face an increased risk of extirpation. The federally threatened arkansas fatmucket (lampsilis powellii) is one such species and is in a drastic decline in a large portion of its range. The federally endangered ouachita rock pocketbook (arcidens wheeleri) inhabits only a small portion of its historical range in arkansas and appears to be lacking consistent recruitment. The federally endangered winged mapleleaf (quadrula fragosa) appears to be declining in a portion of its range in arkansas. Augmentation of these populations are needed to ensure the continued existence of these populations. Additionally, some listed species, such as the pink mucket (lampsilis abrupta) and the rabbitsfoot (thelyderma cylindrica), are in need of development and or refinement of propagation and culture techniques. This project would increase the capacity of the arkansas game and fish commission to propagate and release juvenile freshwater mussels. The second project will occur on an actively eroding streambank on the left descending bank. At the time of the site visit, the area of concern was 428 linear feet long with 9-10 foot high vertical banks. The upper saline watershed is home to federally listed threatened arkansas fatmucket (lampsilis powellii), endangered pink mucket (lampsilis abrupta), threatened rabbitsfoot (quadrula cylindrica cylindrica), and endangered winged mapleleaf (quadrula fragosa) freshwater mussels. The north fork saline river is a state designated extraordinary resource waterbody (ERW), and an ecologically sensitive waterbody (ESW) for the endemic ouachita madtom (noturus lachneri). Also contained within this river is a favorite sportfish for many anglers, the smallmouth bass (micropterus dolomieui). Streambank stabilization will reduce sediment sources and provide stability in the north fork saline river channel. The reduction in sediment and a more stable stream channel will provide a healthier environment and habitat for the listed t e, sgcn, and sportfish species listed above.