Efforts have been made to recover populations of endangered and threatened species in the duck river

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $210,000 Project Grant under the Endangered Species Recovery Implementation program (CFDA 15.657) to the Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee. The funding will support efforts to recover populations of endangered and threatened mussel species in the Duck River through translocation of adult mussels, stocking of lab-propagated mussels, and reconstruction of a mussel propagation facility at Lillards Mill. This comprehensive project will transform the existing facility into a cutting-edge research station dedicated to the propagation and conservation of endangered mussel species. Key activities include installing a water recirculation system, backup generator, and filtration equipment, as well as repairing the trailer house. The propagation program at the reconstructed facility will enable the Wildlife Resources Agency to expand its ongoing mussel restoration work in the Duck River watershed. The project will be implemented between January 2024 and December 2026.

Since 2005, more than 20,000 mussels representing 12 species have been reintroduced into six sites within the duck river watershed. These efforts involved both translocation of adult mussels and stocking of lab-propagated sub-adult mussels. Most stockings, around 64 , have been reintroduced at lillards mill in the duck river as part of this large restoration initiative. In february 2004, a trailer house was built at lillards mill with the aim of spearheading mussel propagation efforts, funded by a state wildlife grant. A central pump was installed between the duck river and the trailer house to provide water for mussel cultivation. However, the mussel propagation program at this site was discontinued due to insufficient expertise and operational challenges, and these facilities fell into disrepair and have not been utilized in over a decade. Twra has since established the cumberland river aquatic center (c-RAC) located at adjacent to tvas gallatin steam plant as the primary facility for mussel propagation efforts. To enhance the propagation program, we propose a comprehensive reconstruction of the trailer house situated at the lillards mill location, nestled in the heart of a historically diverse mussel habitat. This restoration effort includes installing a main pump and ensuring a consistent water supply from the duck river, setting up a backup generator and propane tank, establishing a robust filtration system, and repairing the old trailer house. Through meticulous reconstruction, our goal is to transform IT into a cutting-edge facility. This endeavor presents a distinctive opportunity: the prospect to revive this facility into a thriving research station, exclusively dedicated to the propagation and conservation of endangered mussel species. The designated site for the reconstruction of trailer house is on state-owned property at lillards mill immediately adjacent to the duck river. A pivotal component of this initiative involves the installation of the primary pump, strategically positioned approximately 60 feet above the duck river water intake, and at a distance of 400 feet from the said intake to the trailer house. To facilitate these activities, a sophisticated water recirculating system will be designed. This system will function by drawing water from the duck river and channeling IT through the mussel culture system before returning IT to the river. Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned measures, our approach also involves the installation of a backup generator and propane tank to guarantee a consistent power supply for the entire system. Essential enhancements, including the construction of recirculating systems, a filtration system, and repairs to both the interior and exterior of the trailer house, are also in progress to reinforce the overall infrastructure. The captive propagation of native mussel species in duck river will take place at the station upon the completion of the reconstruction of trailer house. To ensure the successful implementation of thisproject, twra will designate a qualified technician devoted to the care and management of activities at this station