Statement from the DNR About the Higgins Eye Pearlymussel

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Statement from the DNR about the Higgins eye pearlymussel (8/10/21) The DNR is aware of some questions and inaccurate information about the Higgins eye pearlymussel (Lampsilis higginsii) in relation to Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline replacement project. The Higgins eye is listed as endangered by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Minnesota DNR. We take our role in protecting, managing and recovering endangered species very seriously. From 1999 to 2016, the DNR conducted a large-scale mussel survey and follow-up surveys which collected data from more than 540 sites in the Mississippi Headwaters watershed. The DNR continues to conduct site surveys and collect information from other scientifically-backed sources to ensure data are up-to-date. Contrary to what is currently being circulated on social media, none of those data indicate the presence of the Higgins eye pearlymussel in the Mississippi River north of St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The DNR has no evidence that the Line 3 replacement project in northern Minnesota will have any impact to the Higgins eye pearlymussel. We are confident that we have fully complied with all aspects of state and federal endangered species laws in regulating the Line 3 replacement project. You can also learn about the Higgins eye mussel, including its existing range and our recovery efforts, on our webpage for this species. Statewide Mussel Survey Sites 1999-2016 Survey Sites North of St. Anthony Falls Minneapolis • 543 Mussel Survey Sites above St. Anthony Falls • No Higgins eye pearlymussel (Lampsilis higginsii) found.

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Higgins Eye Pearlymussel Is Found in the Upper Mississippi River and Several of Its Tributaries
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service The Higgins eye pearlymussel is found in the upper Mississippi River and several of its tributaries. Higgins Eye Pearlymussel Higgins eye pearlymussel is an endangered species. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered and threatened species is the primary objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species program. Scientific Name - Lampsilis higginsii What is the Higgins Eye Appearance - Higgins eye pearlymussel is a freshwater mussel with a Pearlymussel? rounded to slightly elongate smooth-textured shell that is usually yellowish brown with green rays. The shell, made up of 2 hinged, inflated halves, is up to 4 inches in length and has a rounded side and a pointed (males) or squared (females) side. The inside of the shell is white with portions that are iridescent and areas that may be tinged with cream or salmon. The soft body enclosed by the shell consists of gills for breathing, a digestive tract for processing food, and a large muscled foot for locomotion and anchoring in the stream bottom. Range - Since 1980, live Higgins eye pearlymussels have been found in parts of the following rivers: the upper Mississippi River north of Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk, Iowa, and in three tributaries of the Mississippi River - the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin, and the lower Rock River between Illinois and Iowa.
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Higgins' Eye Pearlymussel Lampsilis Higginsii
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Higgins’ Eye Pearlymussel Lampsilis higginsii The Higgins eye pearlymussel is an endangered species. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered and threatened species is the primary objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species program. What is the Higgins Eye Pearlymussel? Appearance: The Higgins eye is a freshwater mussel with a rounded to slightly elongate smooth-textured shell that is usually yellowish brown with green rays. The shell, made up of 2 hinged, inflated halves, is up to 4 Photo by USFWS inches long with a rounded side and a pointed (males) or squared (females) 50% of the historic range, which Reproduction: Male Higgins eye side. The inside of the shell is white extended as far south as St. Louis, release sperm into river currents with portions that are iridescent and Missouri and included several and females downstream siphon the areas that may be tinged with cream additional tributaries of the sperm to fertilize their eggs. After or salmon. The soft body enclosed by Mississippi River. fertilization, females store the shell consists of gills for developing larvae (glochidia) in their gills until expelling them back into breathing, a digestive tract for Habitat: The Higgins eye is a the current. Some glochidia are processing food, and a large muscled freshwater mussel of larger rivers able to attach to the gills of host fish, foot for moving and for anchoring on where it is usually found in deep where they develop further.
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