Willamette Riverkeeper
$48,000

Freshwater mussels increase stream health by improving water quality, stabilizing substrate, and encouraging healthy macroinvertebrate communities, which enhances habitat for native salmonids and other creatures. Studies of mussel habitat are needed to make informed conservation decisions and increased public appreciation of these invertebrates will benefit the watersheds and the citizens living in them. We will conduct a 2-season survey and educational effort to locate and study western ridged mussels (Gonidea angulata), western pearlshell mussels (Margaritifera falcata), and California/winged floater (Anodonta californiensis/nuttalliana) in the Yamhill and Clackamas river basins. In season 1 we will collect water samples by paddle craft for eDNA analysis to gain a broad understanding of population locations based on presence/absence data. We will pair the eDNA surveys with rapid visual surveys to assist in eDNA validation.