Fish and mussel restoration plan for the West Virginia section of Dunkard Creek (stream actually meanders back and forth between WV and PA).
Big aquatic kill in 2009 wiped everything out.
Prior to the kill, Dunkard Creek supported the most diverse and abundant mussel population remaining in the entire Monongahela River watershed (Janet Clayton, per. com.). Historically, 20 species of mussels were known to inhabit Dunkard Creek. Three species reported by Ortmann in 1911 and 1919 (purple wartyback (Cyclonaias tuberculata), black sandshell (Ligumia recta) and clubshell (Pleurobema clava)) have not been observed since. Dunkard Creek supported the last known snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra) population within the entire Monongahela watershed. Although this genetic stock is now believed lost, this species is currently proposed for federal listing as endangered, bypassing the candidate status.
Edited by Gambusia, 24 October 2011 - 11:32 AM.