Evaluation of Freshwater Mussel () Populations in Southeastern

Streams

Final Report

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Mike Hayden Secretary

Prepared by:

Thomas D. Mosher Fisheries Research Coordinator

Joe D. Kramer, Director Doug D. Nygren, Chief Fisheries & Wildlife Division Fisheries Section

March 2006 A Contribution of U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service State Wildlife Grant Program T-2 2

Evaluation of Freshwater Mussel (Unionidae) Populations in Southeastern Kansas

Streams

Thomas D. Mosher

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

P.O. Box 1525

Emporia, KS 66801

Abstract-Surveys of freshwater mussels were conducted in ten streams of

Southeastern Kansas during the summers 2003-2005 to document composition and density of mussel populations, and to establish a data baseline to evaluate a ten-year mussel harvest moratorium on four of the streams that were open to commercial mussel harvest until January 2003. A minimum of 40 1-m2 quadrat samples were collected at each of eight sample sites in all streams, and timed searches were conducted on nine streams. Nearly 22,000 live mussels of 31 were reported, but only five species were found in all sampled streams. Populations of Amblema plicata appeared to be repressed in streams formerly open to harvest. Recommendations are given to manage recovery of mussels in Kansas.

Introduction

Freshwater mussels are a highly imperiled group of in Kansas and the

United States. In Kansas, 23 of approximately 40 species are listed as endangered, threatened, or species-in-need-of-conservation by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and 3

Parks. Yet, during the 1990’s, this group of fauna supported a profitable cottage industry

in Southeastern Kansas for commercial shellers who harvested mussels for the cultured

pearl trade. Because of declining mussel harvest and decreasing mussel populations a

ten-year harvest moratorium was enacted for these animals by the Kansas Department of

Wildlife and Parks beginning in 2003. The goals of this study were to document the composition and density of mussel populations in major Southeastern Kansas streams to facilitate management plans, and to develop a data baseline from which to evaluate the effects of the harvest moratorium.

Methods

Ten were sampled quantitatively for native Unionid mussels in the summer of 1993, 1994, and 1995. The rivers sampled include: Marais des Cygnes from

Melvern Dam to Trading Post, KS; Pottawatomie Creek in Anderson, Franklin and

Miami counties, KS; Marmaton River, Bourbon County, KS; from John

Redmond Dam to the Border; Cottonwood River, Chase and Lyon counties,

KS; from Toronto Dam to Oklahoma Border; from Fall River

Dam to Verdigris River; , Elk, Chautauqua, and Montgomery counties, KS;

Grouse Creek, Butler and Cowley County, KS; and , Butler and Cowley

counties, KS from El Dorado Dam to the with the River. The Elk,

Fall, Neosho, and Verdigris rivers were chosen because they were open to commercial-

mussel harvest until January 2003 and data were needed to establish a baseline to judge

the effects of a ten-year moratorium. Commercial harvesters had expressed interest in the

other rivers surveyed, so these other six rivers were surveyed to determine the status of 4

native mussel populations. The Walnut River was also surveyed to determine how native mussels will be affected by zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha which became established in that river in 2003.

A minimum of eight sample sites were selected for each river. On the Verdigris, eight sites coincided with sites sampled by Miller (1992, 1999). Another eight sites were

sampled upstream and seven sites downstream of these sites. Sites on Elk River, Fall

River and the Neosho River coincided as closely as possible to sites sampled by Cope

(1983) and Obermeyer et al. (1997).

Except for one site on the Verdigris River and one site on the Marais des Cygnes

River, sampling at each site consisted of 40 randomly chosen one-meter quadrats along a

100-meter stretch of river as described by Miller (1993). Additionally, timed searches

were conducted at sites on the , Marmaton River, Pottawatomie

Creek, Cottonwood River, Fall River, Elk River, upper Verdigris River, Grouse Creek

and Walnut River. At most sites, live mussels within the quadrat were collected by

hand, identified, measured, and returned to the water. In the Neosho River, live mussels

were collected by shovel and screens.

Populations in sample sites coinciding with those sampled by Miller (1993, 1999)

were compared statistically with one-way ANOVA (Analytical Software 2000). The

level of significance was chosen as 0.10 to rule out Type II error.

Results

A total of 21,971 mussels representing 31 species were sampled in 3,840 1-m2

quadrats and during 107 hours of searching at 97 sample sites in Southeastern Kansas. 5

The mean density per site ranged from 0.15/m2 in the Cottonwood River to 56.38/m2 in

the Verdigris River, with the absolute low ranging from 0/m2 in every stream to 149/ m2 in the Verdigris River. The number of species per river ranged from 8 in the Walnut

River to 24 in the Verdigris River.

Marais des Cygnes River. A total of 2749 mussels representing 19 species were collected at 10 quadrat sites (Table 1) and 8 timed-search sites (Table 2). The mean density ranged from 1.80 to 13.90 mussels/m2 and the number of mussels collected per

man-hour ranged from 9.7 to 94.0. The top five most numerous species sampled

(Fusconaia flava, Amblema plicata, Quadrula pustulosa, Q. quadrula, and Obliquaria reflexa) comprised 84% of the mussels sampled within quadrats, and 80% of those in timed searches. Arcidens confragosus, Ellipsaria lineolata, Lampsilis teres, Pleurobema sintoxia, and Strophitus undulatus totaled less than 1% of the mussels sampled.

Marmaton River. Amblema plicata comprised 58% of the 829 mussels representing 19 species that were collected at 8 quadrat sites (Table 3) and in 8 timed search sites (Table 4). The mean density per sample site ranged from 0.32/m2 to 2.18/m2

in quadrat samples, and 20.0 to 91.0 per man-hour of search time.

Pottawatomie Creek. A total of 1039 mussels representing 20 species were

sampled at 8 quadrat sites (Table 5) and 8 timed search sites (Table 6). The mean density

of mussels per sample site ranged from 0.95/m2 to 4.35/m2, and from10.0 to 92.0 per

man-hour of search time. Amblema plicata comprised 51% of the quadrat samples and

75% of those sampled at timed-search sites. Quadrula quadrula, the second most

numerous species, comprised 13% of the sampled mussels, whereas Q. pustulosa the

third most numerous, comprised 7%. 6

Neosho River. Quadrat samples yielded 861 mussels representing 17 species

(Table 7). No timed searches were conducted in the Neosho River. The mean density

per site ranged from 0.28/m2 to 6.42/m2. Quadrula metanevra dominated the sample

with 47% of the sampled mussels followed by Truncilla doniciformis with 17% of the

sample. A. plicata, the dominant species in commercial harvest, comprised only 2% of

the sample.

Cottonwood River. Only 534 mussels representing 15 species were sampled at 8

quadrat sites (Table 8) and 8 timed search sites (Table 9). The mean density per quadrat

site ranged from 0.15/m2 to 2.25/m2, and the number per man-hour of search time ranged

from 6.0 to 94.0. Tritogonia verrucosa, Q. quadrula, Leptodea fragilis, Q. pustulosa, and

F. flava comprised 87% of the sample.

Verdigris River. Three separate collection efforts were conducted on the

Verdigris, one by contract with the University of Kansas and two by KDWP personnel.

The University of Kansas personnel collected 1890 mussels of 24 species in 8 quadrat

(Table 10) and 8 timed searches (Table 11) in samples between Toronto Dam and

Neodesha, KS. The mean number of mussels sampled in quadrats by site ranged from

0.78/m2 to 12.78/m2, and the number sampled per man-hour of search time ranged from

14.0 to 64.0. These samples were dominated by Q. pustulosa (29%), Q. metanevra

(23%), T. verrucosa (15%), F. flava (6%) and Obliquaria reflexa (6%).

KDWP personnel sampled 5160 mussels representing 22 species (Table 12) between Neodesha and Sycamore, KS. The mean density per quadrat ranged from

4.62/m2 to 56.38/m2. These samples were dominated by Q. metanevra (29%), F. flava

(20%), Q. pustulosa (14%), O. reflexa (5%) and T. verrucosa (5%). In the next 7 quadrat 7

sites between Sycamore and Coffeyville, KS, KDWP personnel sampled 3057 mussels

representing 21 species (Table 13). The mean density per sample in this stretch ranged

from 2.80/m2 to 30.28/m2. Again these samples were dominated by Q. metanevra (29%),

and Q. pustulosa (17%), F. flava (9%), O. reflexa (9%), and T. verrucosa (8%).

Fall River. A total of 2657 mussels representing 19 species were collected in 8

quadrat samples (Table 14) and 8 timed searches (Table 15). The mean density per

quadrat ranged from 2.62/m2 to 11.62/m2, and timed searches yielded 23.00-79.67 per

man-hour of search time. Five species, Q. pustulosa (22%), Q. metanevra (13%), F.

flava (12%), O. reflexa (11%), and T. verrucosa (9%) comprised 67% of the mussels

collected.

Elk River. Collectors sampled 868 mussels from 17 species at 8 quadrat sites

(Table 16) and 8 timed searches (Table 17). The mean density ranged from 0.30/m2 to

3.12/m2 per site in quadrat samples, and 19.00-90.00 per man-hour in timed-search sites.

Amblema plicata (43%), L. cardium (14%), T. verrucosa (11%) and F. flava (9%)

comprised the greatest portion of the samples.

Grouse Creek. A total of 1635 mussels of 12 species were collected at 8 quadrat

sites (Table 18) and 8 timed searches (Table 19). The mean density in quadrat sites

ranged from 0.40/m2 to 2.78/m2, and 18.72 to 67.00 per man-hour of search time. The

primary population was composed of A. plicata (55%), T. verrucosa (14%), F. flava

(9%), Q. pustulosa (7%), and Q. quadrula (5%).

Walnut River. Eleven species contributed 1500 mussels in 8 quadrat sites (Table

20) and 8 timed searches (Table 21). The mean density in quadrat sites ranged from

1.28/m2 to 4.30/m2, and 29.0 to 172.0 per man-hour in timed-search sites. The population 8

was mainly comprised of Q. quadrula (56%), T. verrucosa (21%), Lasmigona complanata (8%), Q. pustulosa (7%), and F. flava (6%). Although not listed, zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha were found at many sites in the Walnut River.

Discussion

The rivers sampled in this study are part of two major river drainages, the

Missouri and the Arkansas. The Marais des Cygnes River, Pottawatomie Creek, and

Marmaton River flow to the Osage and rivers in Missouri. The Cottonwood

River flows to the Neosho River in Kansas and the Grand River in Oklahoma before meeting the . The Elk and Fall rivers flow to the Verdigris River which empties to the Arkansas River in Northeast Oklahoma. Grouse Creek and the Walnut

River each flow into the Arkansas River above Kaw Reservoir, OK.

Results of this study show mussel density and diversity increase from smaller tributary streams to larger main stem rivers. Thus the Marais des Cygnes has higher density and diversity than Pottawatomie Creek and the Marmaton River, and the

Verdigris River has greater numbers and diversity than the Elk and Fall rivers.

Additionally the more eastern streams have more robust and diverse mussel populations than Grouse Creek and Walnut River on the western edge of the study.

In this study, the Verdigris River had the most diverse (25 species) and densest

(10.8/m2 overall) mussel populations; it also had the greatest number of sample sites.

Although 35 species have been documented in the Neosho River (Obermeyer 1997), only

19 were sampled in this study. The Neosho River is larger than the Verdigris River, with 9 more varied habitat, and it flows through a more populated area and has more cities along its banks than the Verdigris. Although size and diversity of habitat should yield more mussels, effects from human interactions with the river are likely to detract from mussel populations. Because of its larger size, more sample sites are warranted in the Neosho

River to better compare its population with the Verdigris.

The Cottonwood River had the lowest density of mussels in this study. Sample sites in the Cottonwood were restricted to Chase and Lyon counties downstream from

Strong City. This area was prone to fish kills from feedlot runoff in the 1970s and is subject to silt deposition. More robust and pristine riffles in the river upstream from

Strong City might yield different results.

The Walnut River had the lowest diversity of mussels. This river has been severly effected by human activities and continues to show a decline in mussels evidenced by Hacker (1980) and Hunter (1993). The recent establishment of zebra mussels in this river will further stress native unionid species.

Five species, F. flava, L. fragilis, Q. quadrula, Q. pustulosa, and T. verrucosa were found in every river sampled. L. teres was found in each river except the Walnut.

A. plicata was found in each river except the Cottonwood and Walnut. L. cardium was absent in the Marais des Cygnes and Neosho samples, and L. complanata was absent in the Neosho and Cottonwood.

Amblema plicata is listed as a commercial species in Kansas and was the most numerous species collected in five of the ten rivers studied. Numbers of this species are depleted in the Neosho and Verdigris rivers where harvest was legal before 2003 despite harvest refuges and length limits to protect the species. This species was not sampled in 10 the Cottonwood and Walnut rivers. Hacker (1980) found live A. plicata at one site in the

Walnut River; that site is now inundated by El Dorado Reservoir. It is likely that this species does occur in the Cottonwood in limited numbers and was missed during this study. Further evaluation is warranted on the Walnut and Cottonwood rivers to determine why this species is scarce, and where re-introduction attempts should be conducted in appropriate locations. The moratorium on harvest should be continued to determine if this species can recover with full protection in the Neosho and Verdigris rivers.

Arcidens confragosus is listed as threatened in Kansas where its range is limited to the Marais des Cygnes drainage. This species was represented by one specimen in each the Marais des Cygnes River and Pottawatomie Creek. Because of the limited findings over broad habitat, this species might be considered to be downlisted to endangered in Kansas. Further study is warranted for this species to identify habitat needs and determine specific actions that need to be taken to ensure survival. A recovery plan is available for this species (Obermeyer 2000).

Cyprgenia aberti is listed as endangered in Kansas. This species was found only in the Verdigris and Fall rivers. In the Verdigris, numbers of this species has increased significantly (F=3.74-19.13, P=0.000-0.027) at 6 of 8 sites studied from 1991 to 2003.

Despite the increase, numbers remain low (<2% of the sample) and deserves continued protection. This species is especially vulnerable to raccoon predation during the winter

(E. Miller, KDWP personal observation). A recovery plan is available for this species

(Obermeyer 2000). 11

Ellipsaria lineolata was found in the Marais des Cygnes, Neosho, and Verdigris rivers where it comprised < 1% of the sample. This species is listed as threatened by

KDWP. Further study is warranted to determine habitat needs and criteria needed to increase populations of this species.

Elliptio dilatata is listed as a Species in Need of Conservation by KDWP and was found in only the four eastern most streams where it comprised 1-9% of the mussels sampled. No live specimens were found in the Cottonwood River, or rivers west of the

Neosho. Although not rare, this species deserves continued protection because of it relatively low density.

Fusconaia flava was found commonly in all sample rivers, and ranked third overall in total abundance during this study. In the Verdigris River, numbers of this species were significantly (F=5.09-85.19, P= 0.000-0.008) higher in 2003 than prior years at six of eight study sites. This species is listed as a Species in Need of

Conservation in Kansas, but, because of its common status and increasing population in the Verdigris River, should be considered for removal from that list.

Lampsilis cardium were found in each river except the Marais des Cygnes and

Neosho. Although not collected in the Marais des Cygnes in this study, they were found in the river in 2003 (Tim Maloney, University of Missouri personal communication), and are likely in the Neosho River where they were found by Cope (1983) and Obermeyer et al. (1997). Relative abundance of this species ranges from 1-15% of the total sample.

The Elk River population comprised 15% of the total quadrat sample.

Lampsilis rafinesqueana is listed as endangered in Kansas. This species was found in relatively low numbers in Fall River (0.5%) and Neosho River (0.3%). These 12 findings are similar to Cope (1983) and Obermeyer et al. (1997). Recent attempts to augment the population of L. rafinesqueana have been made in Fall and Verdigris rivers by stocking young mussels. A recovery plan has been established for this species

(Obermeyer 2000).

Lampsilis siliquoidea is listed as SINC by KDWP and was found in only four of the ten streams sampled. This was a relatively scarce mussel in these surveys comprising from 0.07-3% of the total sample where found. Although found in higher numbers than either Cope (1983 or Obermeyer et al. (1997), this species warrants further investigation to determine if a more restricted listing is appropriate.

Lampsilis teres was found in every river except the Walnut. However, abundance was never higher than 2% of the total sample in any river. This species is listed as SINC by KDWP and warrants continuation of this listing.

Lasmigona complanata was found in every river except the Neosho and

Cottonwood. Murray and Leonard (1962) showed this species to be extensively distributed through out the Neosho-Cottonwood drainage, and was listed in the Neosho

River by Cope (1983) and Obermeyer et al. (1997). Therefore, further investigation is warranted to determine if this species is declining in this drainage.

Leptodea fragilis was recorded in every river studied in this investigation.

Although its relative abundance ranged from 0.2% to 15% of the samples in quadrat surveys, this species appears to be stable.

Ligumia subrostrata was found in small numbers only in Elk River, Grouse

Creek, and Marmaton River. Although distributed through out the study area, this species is more likely to be found in ponds and streams with soft bottoms and is rarely 13

found in streams with rocky bottoms (Murray and Leonard 1962). Because most sites in

this study centered within rocky riffles, these findings are not a surprise.

Megalonaias nervosa were found in five of the ten streams sampled. This species prefers deep habitats with muddy bottom (Murray and Leonard 1962); however

Obermeyer (1997) found relatively few of these in deep water exploration of the Neosho

River. This species is listed as SINC by KDWP and warrants further evaluation to determine its current status.

Obliquaria reflexa was found in seven of the ten rivers and was most abundant in the Verdigris and Fall rivers where it comprised 6% and 13% of the quadrat samples.

Hacker (1980) found fresh valves but no live specimens in the Walnut River. No

specimens were found in the Walnut during this study. This species may be declining in

the Walnut River but appears to be stable in the Verdigris and Neosho rivers.

Pleurobema sintoxia is listed as a SINC species by KDWP. Although this species

is relatively rare in most of Kansas, the population appears to be increasing in portions of

the Verdigris River where numbers increased significantly in 2003 over 1991 and 1997

(F=3.26-50.51, P= 0.000-0.042) at seven of eight survey sites. Further investigation is

warranted to determine factors affecting the increase of population in the Verdigris.

Potamilis alatus was found in only the Marais des Cygnes River. Although

Murray and Leonard (1962) noted this species was common in the Neosho River, it was

not found in this study nor by Cope (1983) or Obermeyer et al. (1997).

Potamilis ohiensis was found in the Neosho, Cottonwood, Verdigris and Walnut

rivers in relatively low numbers (0.04-1.6%). Murray and Leonard (1962) indicated this 14

species was wide spread but uncommon in the Marais des Cygnes. Cope (1983) and

Obermeyer et al. (1997) found low numbers of these as well.

Potamilis purpuratus was found in seven of the ten study rivers. Although widespread and a commercially harvested species for inlay artwork, they were relatively scarce in this study (generally < 1%). However, this species is more likely to inhabit deep water with deep mud and quiet pools (Murray and Leonard 1962) and therefore not as likely to be found in riffle habitat.

Ptychobranchus occidentalis is listed as threatened by KDWP. This species was found only in the Verdigris and Fall rivers where they comprised about 2% of the total sample. The population in the Verdigris River appears to be expanding and the number sampled in 2003 was significantly higher than 1997 and 1991 at each sample site

(F=4.98-15.54, P= 0.000-0.008). Further evaluation is warranted to determine what conditions contributed to this increase. A recovery plan is available for this species

(Obermeyer 2000).

Pyganodon grandis was found in small numbers in six of the ten rivers. This species is wide spread in Kansas and is more common in lakes and quiet pools with deep

water (Murray and Leonard 1962).

Quadrula metanevra is one of the commercially harvested mussels in Kansas.

Although this species was found in only four rivers (Cottonwood, Neosho, Fall and

Verdigris), the population is robust except in the Cottonwood River. The population

appears to be expanding in the Verdigris River where numbers were significantly greater

in 2003 than 1997 or 1991 in six of eight study sites (F=4.96-47.36, P=0.03-0.000). The

numbers of Q. metanevra were relatively low in the Cottonwood River in comparison to 15 the Verdigris and Neosho. This may be a result of nutrient runoff in the past. An evaluation should be conducted to determine the cause of low populations, find suitable sites for reintroduction, and attempt to repopulate the Cottonwood River with adults from the Neosho River. Freshly dead shells were found in the Marais des Cygnes by

Obermeyer (2000b).

Quadrula nodulata is listed as a SINC species by KDWP and was found only in the Neosho and Verdigris rivers. This species is relatively scarce in the Neosho (1.6%) and Verdigris (3.3%) and warrants its listing as a SINC species. Further evaluation is needed to determine what is limiting the population, and remedial steps taken to insure survival.

Quadrula quadrula was found in all rivers studied. Although this species is a commercially harvested species in Kansas, populations within streams are relatively small. This species appears to be very healthy in reservoirs where they are more commonly harvested in Kansas (Mosher 2005).

Quadrula pustulosa appears to be healthy and was found in all study rivers. The population in the Verdigris is especially robust and numbers there were significantly higher in 2003 than 1997 or 1991 in four of eight study sites.

Strophitus undulatus was found in relatively low numbers in six of ten study sites.

This species is typically found in deep water with mud or sand substrate (Murray and

Leonard 1962) and thus was not expected to be found in large numbers. Murray and

Leonard (1962) showed this species to be widespread in Kansas, however none were found in the Cottonwood, Neosho, Elk, or Walnut River during this study. Hacker (1980) 16

found freshly dead shells but no live specimens in the Walnut. This species is listed as

SINC by KDWP and warrants further evaluation.

Tritogonia verrucosa was found in all rivers sampled during this study, and

populations appear to be healthy in all. Hacker (1980) was concerned this species was in

danger of extirpation from the Walnut River, yet in this study it was the second most

numerous species observed and appeared to be in good health. In the Verdigris River,

numbers were significantly higher (F=3.33-17.62, P= 0.011-0.000) in 2003 than 1997 or

1991 in seven of eight study sites.

Truncilla donaciformis was absent in Elk River, Grouse Creek and Walnut River.

This species is listed as SINC by KDWP. Although this species was uncommon in most

rivers, it comprised 17.6% of the sample in the Neosho River. Further evaluation is

warranted to find conditions that favor this species in the Neosho.

Truncilla truncata is also listed as SINC by KDWP. Although listed as widespread in Kansas by Murray and Leonard (1962), this species was relatively scarce

in the rivers studied here. Hacker (1980) found no live or freshly dead shells in the

Walnut. This species was most numerous in the Marais des Cygnes River, and further study is warranted to find what habitats and conditions are conducive to its presence

there.

Utterbackia imbecillus was found only in the Marais des Cygnes river where it

was represented by five individuals in 400 quadrat samples. This is a thin shelled species

found in quiet pools or small streams (Murray and Leonard 1962) and thus it is not

surprising to be absent in this study. 17

Venustaconcha ellipsiformis was represented by only one specimen in

Pottawatomie Creek. This species is listed as endangered by KDWP and it appears this

listing is warranted. Further study is needed to verify this species, where it resides in

Kansas and how to best manage its recovery.

Six species, Actinonaias ligamenta, Alasmidonta marginata, Cyclonaias tuberculata, Epioblasma triquetra, Lasmigona costata, and Quadrula cylindrica exist

within the rivers sampled, but were not found in this study. A. ligamenta and Q. cylindrica are listed as endangered in Kansas, while L. costata is listed as threatened and

E. triquetra as SINC. Cope (1983) found none of these in his surveys. Obermeyer et al.

(1997) found relatively few L. costata and Q. cylindrica in the Neosho River, and only weathered shells of each in the Verdigris. Each of these species warrants further evaluation to determine what is needed to ensure their survival. Recovery plans are established for Actinonaias ligamenta, Alasmidonta marginata, Cyclonaias tuberculata

(Obermeyer 2003) and Quadrula cylindrica (Obermeyer 2000).

The species assemblage of mussels within the Marais des Cygnes River was similar to that found by Obermeyer (2000b) and T. Maloney (University of Missouri, personal communication).

Samples on the Verdigris River yielded the highest numbers and the greatest diversity of mussels during these investigations. In the eight replicated sites of Miller

(1993, 1999), numbers of mussels increased significantly (Miller and Lynott In Press).

Although part of the same drainage, Fall River and Elk River yielded fewer numbers and species than the Verdigris. This might be expected because these two streams are both tributaries to the Verdigris. 18

In contrast to this study, Cope (1983) found A. plicata to be the most numerous

species in the Verdigris River and Fall River; in the Neosho River A. plicata was tied with F. flava as the second most numerous species sampled. His study followed a period of relatively little commercial mussel harvest in Kansas. This study followed a period of relatively high commercial activity (1992-2000) when more than one million pounds of

A. plicata were harvested in these three rivers (Mosher 2005). In the Verdigris River, A. plicata declined from 1.12/m2 and 32% of the sample in 1982 to 0.33/m2 and 3.3% of the

total sample in 2003. In Fall River, A. plicata declined from 1.76/m2 and 29.1% of the

sample to 0.32/m2 and 5.4% of the sample, whereas in the Neosho the decline was from

0.44/m2 and 11.5% to 0.06/m2 and 2.3% of the sample. A. plicata remained the

dominant species in Elk River where less than 37,000 pounds of harvest was recorded

1992-2002 (Mosher 2005).

Cope (1983) found 21 species of Unionids in the Verdigris River compared to 24

species in this study. The most notable difference was the appearance of C. aberti and P.

occidentalis that were absent in 1982. In Fall River, Cope (1983) recorded 23 species whereas this study found 19 species. The species missing were P. grandis, Q. nodulata,

T. truncata and U. imbecillus none of which comprised more than 0.5% of the mussels

sampled by Cope. In Elk River he found only 11 species compared to 17 in this study,

and in the Neosho River Cope found 20 species compared to 19 here. In the Neosho the difference was a result of the more scarce species. However, in Elk River, three species not found by Cope, L. teres, L. siliquoidea, and P. grandis, comprised 8% of the mussels

found in this study. 19

Hacker (1980) found 17 species of live mussels or fresh shell material in the

Walnut River. The only live specimen found by Hacker but not this study is P. grandis.

Nine species were found as fresh shell material by Hacker, but not in this study. Most

notable among these are A. plicata, L. teres, and O. reflexa. Hacker (1980) was

concerned that each of these was in danger of being extirpated from Walnut River.

Conversely, F. flava and T. verrucosa were relatively abundant in this study, yet Hacker

(1980) was concerned these might be in danger of extirpation within this river. Hacker

(1980) also found Toxolasma parva at several locations within the Walnut drainage and

thought this species might benefit from El Dorado Reservoir. This species was not found

in the recent survey. Hunter (1993) found P. ohiensis and L. fragilis dominated the native mussel fauna in the lower Walnut. Combined these two species contributed < 1% of the native mussels collected in this study. Two species not found by Hacker are

Corbicula fluminea and Dreissena polymorha. These are exotic, invasive species that

will negatively affect native species within this drainage.

Metcalf (1980) found 18 species of live or freshly dead mussels in Grouse Creek.

Those not found in this study include L. siliquoidea, P. ohiensis, P. purpuratus, T.

parvus, Uniomerus tetralasmus, and Utterbackia imbecillis. However, live or fresh

specimens of P. ohiensis, P. purpuratus, and U. tetralasmus were found at only one site each by Metcalf (1980). Metcalf noted that F. flava was relatively rare in Grouse Creek.

Yet, in this study these were the second most common species found. Commercial shellers asked that Grouse Creek be opened for harvest during the 1990’s. Because of its relatively small size and the results of this study, this stream could not sustain commercial harvest, and it is recommended that it remain closed. 20

Recommendations

1. Maintain 10-year moratorium on the commercial harvest of native mussels in

Kansas rivers to determine if populations will rebound without harvest mortality.

2. Resurvey rivers in 2012 to document populations after 10 years of no commercial

harvest to determine if resumption of commercial harvest is warranted.

3. Implement recovery plans for species as endangered, threatened and SINC in

Kansas. Complete plans for those species that have none.

4. Determine causes for decline of mussel populations, especially in the Cottonwood

and Walnut River, enact measures to control these, and explore feasibility of re-

introducing populations to areas where they are extirpated.

5. Develop outreach materials for public education to explain environmental needs

of freshwater mussels.

21

Acknowledgements

This project was partially funded through the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service State

Wildlife Grant Program. Dr. William Stark, Curtis Wolf and students of Fort Hays

State University completed surveys of the Marais des Cygnes River, Fall River, and

Grouse Creek. Dr. Jim Thorp, Obie Pennington, and students from the University of

Kansas completed surveys on Pottawatomie Creek, Marmaton River, Cottonwood

River, Verdigris River, Elk River, and Walnut River. Dr. Chris Barnhart, Christian

Hutson, and students from Missouri State University completed surveys on the

Neosho River. Ed Miller, Sean Lynott, Jason Goeckler, and numerous other volunteers helped with surveys on the Verdigris River. 22

Literature Cited

Analytical Software. 2000. Statistix 7. Analytical Software, Tallahassee, FL.

Busby, W. H. and G. Horak. 1993. Unionid mussels of Kansas: Overview of conservation efforts and harvest regulations. Pages 50-55 in K. S. Cummings, A. C. Buchanan, and L. M. Koch, eds. Conservation and management of freshwater mussels. Proceedings of a UMRCC symposium, 12-14 October 1992, St. Louis, MO. Upper Conservation Committee, Rock Island, IL 189 pp.

Cope, C. H. 1983. Kansas freshwater mussel investigation, NMFS Project 2-378-R. Unpublished report, Kansas Fish and Game Commission, Pratt. KS.

Hacker, R. A. 1980. Unionid mussels of the Walnut River Basin, Kansas. Master’s Thesis, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS.

Hunter, C. 1993. Unionid mussels of the lower Walnut River, 1993. Unpublished Report compiled for the city of Arkansas City, Kansas. Southwestern College, Winfield KS.

Metcalf, A. L. 1980. Unionacean mussels, past and present, from six streams in Kansas and Oklahoma. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Sciences 8:1-19.

Miller, E. J. 1993. Evaluation of Verdigris River, Kansas freshwater mussel refuge. Pages 56-60 in K. S. Cummings, A. C. Buchanan, and L. M. Koch, eds. Conservation and management of freshwater mussels. Proceedings of a UMRCC symposium, 12-14 October 1992, St. Louis, MO. Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee, Rock Island, IL .

Miller, E. J. 1999. Reevaluation of a small river mussel refuge: Verdigris River, Kansas. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt, KS.

Mosher, T. D. 2005. A review of freshwater mussel harvest in Kansas 1992-2002. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Emporia, KS.

Obermeyer, B. K. 1997. Survey of freshwater mussels in deep-water habitats in the Neosho River, KS. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt, KS.

Obermeyer, B. K., D.R. Edds, C. W. Prophet and E. J. Miller. 1997. Freshwater mussels (:Unionidae) in the Virdigris, Neosho, and Basins of Kansas and Missouri, with emphasis on species of concern. American Malacological Bulletin 14:41-55.

Obermeyer, B. K. 2000. Recovery plan for four freshwater mussels in : Neosho mucket-, Ouachita kidneyshell-Ptychobranchus 23

occidentalis, Rabbitsfoot-Quadrula cylindrical, Western fanshell-Cyprogenia aberti. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt, KS.

Obermeyer, B. K. 2000b. Preliminary assessment of freshwater mussels in the Marais des Cygnes River, Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, Kansas. Unpublished report for Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge, Kansas, Trading Post, Kansas.

Obermeyer, B. K. 2003. Recovery plan for freshwater mussels in the upper Osage River system, Kansas: Mucket-Actinonaias ligamentina, Elktoe-Alasmidonta marginata, Rock Pocketbook-Arcidens confragosus, Purple wartyback- Cyclonaias tuberculata. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Pratt, KS. 24

Table 1. Freshwater mussels sampled in 1-m2 quadrats in the Marais des Cygnes River Kansas 2003-2004.

Quadrat Sample Sites Species 1 2345678 9 10Total Amblema plicata 19 88 110 55 7 68 24 22 139 7 539 Arcidens confragosus 0 Ellipsaria lineolata 1 0000000 0 01 Elliptio dilatata 15 1 10 2 0 3 5 0 0 0 36 Fusconaia flava 3 23 79 125 5 269 24 1 16 3 548 Lampsilis teres 2 1000000 0 03 Lasmigona complanata 0 0402010 2 09 Leptodea fragilis 16 2 7 12 2 10 4 0 10 3 66 Megalonaias nervosa 9 6050101 25 047 Obliquaria reflexa 1 4 16 13 11 24 6 3 1 26 105 Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0100010 0 02 Potamilus alatus 3 4431301 4 225 Pyganodon grandis 1 0010600 0 19 Quadrula pustulosa 9 44 83 114 21 85 8 13 37 89 503 Quadrula quadrula 1 4 6 10 6 67 10 0 4 12 120 Strophitus undulatus 0 0000110 0 02 Tritogonia verrucosa 22 4 23 13 11 14 4 1 5 5 102 Truncilla donaciformis 1 0022130 0 312 Truncilla truncata 0 0 20 4 4 4 4 0 5 3 44 Total 103 181 363 359 72 556 95 42 248 154 2173 Number of species 14 11 12 13 11 14 13 7 11 11 18 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 10 40 40 370 Mean number per m2 2.58 4.529.08 8.98 1.80 13.90 2.38 4.20 6.20 3.85 5.87 Standard deviation 3.19 7.87 6.56 6.80 2.17 11.66 2.70 5.79 7.33 3.63 7.40 High Number per m2 15 47 26 35 10 67 14 18 30 13 67 Low Number per m2 0 0000100 0 00

25

Table 2. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in the Marais des Cygnes River Kansas 2003-2004.

Sample Sites Species 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Total Amblema plicata 51 45 10 3 59 23 20 5 216 Arcidens confragosus 000100 0 01 Ellipsaria lineolata 000000 0 00 Elliptio dilatata 012011 0 05 Fusconaia flava 111140513 1 283 Lampsilis teres 000000 0 00 Lasmigona complanata 010431 0 09 Leptodea fragilis 011161 0 616 Megalonaias nervosa 201001 0 04 Obliquaria reflexa 022752 1 423 Pleurobema sintoxia 000000 0 00 Potamilus alatus 140122 1 213 Pyganodon grandis 010000 0 01 Quadrula pustulosa 310223154 3 3090 Quadrula quadrula 0 2 4 3 30 3 2 5 49 Strophitus undulatus 000000 0 00 Tritogonia verrucosa 4 13 1 6 16 1 3 10 54 Truncilla donaciformis 000010 0 12 Truncilla truncata 030001 2 410 Total 0 62 94 57 29 189 43 33 69 576 Number of species 6 12 9 9 11 12 8 10 15 Man-hours of search 1 1 1.3 3 2.5 1.25 1 1 12.1 Number per man-hour 62.6 94.0 43.2 9.7 75.6 34.4 32.4 67.7 47.6

26

Table 3. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Marmaton River, Kansas 2004.

Quadrat sample Site Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 44 37 2 26 10 39 34 28 220 Elliptio dilatata 0 1 6 25 0 4 1 1 38 Fusconaia flava 17 1 3 8 0 22 5 0 56 Lampsilis cardium 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 Lampsilis siliquiodea 0 0 0 1 1 4 4 0 8 Lampsilis teres 3 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 9 Lasmigona complanata 2 3 0 2 0 2 1 0 10 Leptodea fragilis 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 6 Potamilus purpuratus 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Pyganodon grandis 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 0 7 Quadrula pustulosa 6 3 2 9 0 3 2 0 25 Quadrula quadrula 1 2 4 4 0 2 0 1 14 Strophitus undulatus 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 Tritogonia verrucosa 8 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 15 Truncilla truncata 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 Utterbackia imbecillis 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 5 Venustaconcha ellipsiformis 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 Unknown 3 3 Total 87 55 24 84 13 85 51 32 431 Number of species 9 11 10 11 3 12 9 5 17 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 2.18 1.38 0.60 2.10 0.32 2.12 1.28 0.80 1.35 Standard deviation 3.51 2.88 1.10 4.01 0.76 2.82 2.33 1.62 2.67 High Number per m2 14 14 5 21 4 14 11 7 21 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

27

Table 4. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in the Marmaton River, Kansas 2004.

Sample Sites Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 30 39 8 23 14 48 68 26 256 Elliptio dilatata 0 4 2 7 0 3 1 0 17 Fusconaia flava 2 4 0 5 1 6 5 1 24 Lampsilis cardium 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 Lampsilis siliquiodea 0 0 0 1 5 3 3 0 12 Lampsilis teres 1 1 1 2 0 3 5 0 13 Lasmigona complanata 1 4 0 1 2 2 1 1 12 Leptodea fragilis 0 3 3 0 0 0 1 0 7 Ligumia subrostrata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Potamilus purpuratus 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 Pyganodon grandis 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 4 Quadrula pustulosa 0 3 0 5 0 0 3 0 11 Quadrula quadrula 1 5 0 4 1 2 1 1 15 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 Tritogonia verrucosa 2 2 2 6 0 5 1 0 18 Truncilla truncata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Utterbackia imbecillis 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Venustaconcha ellipsiformis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Unknown Total 37 67 20 56 24 72 91 31 398 Number of species 9 11 10 11 3 12 9 5 17 Man-hours of search 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 Number per man-hour 37.00 67.00 20.00 56.00 24.00 72.00 91.00 31.00 49.75

28

Table 5. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in Pottawatomie Creek, Kansas 2004.

Quadrat Sample Site Species 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 Total Amblema plicata 64 26 54 21 38 14 36 76 329 Arcidens confragosus 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Elliptio dilatata 0 0 1 0 0 0 14 0 15 Fusconaia flava 14 1 3 0 0 0 1 7 26 Lampsilis siliquiodea 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Lampsilis teres 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 1 6 Lasmigona complanata 1 1 2 3 0 2 2 5 16 Leptodea fragilis 2 2 1 0 1 4 2 2 14 Obliquaria reflexa 1 0 2 0 0 5 0 0 8 Potamilus purpuratus 3 0 1 1 0 3 5 2 15 Pyganodon grandis 4 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 7 Quadrula pustulosa 30 5 11 0 0 4 6 10 66 Quadrula quadrula 34 1 9 12 6 5 5 22 95 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 8 9 Tritogonia verrucosa 18 1 1 0 0 7 3 1 31 Truncilla donaciformis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 Truncilla truncata 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 6 Venustaconcha ellipsiformis 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Total 174 38 89 42 47 45 75 137 647 Number of species 12 8 13 6 5 9 10 12 18 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 4.35 0.95 2.22 1.05 1.18 0.98 1.90 3.42 2.01 Standard deviation 6.33 1.40 3.25 1.75 1.66 1.21 2.86 5.15 3.63 High Number per m2 13 25 26 5 13 6 7 4 26 Low Number per m2 0000000 0 0

29

Table 6. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in Pottawatomie Creek, Kansas 2004.

Quadrat Sample Site Species 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 Total Amblema plicata 58 27 53 33 43 3 63 42 322 Elliptio dilatata 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 9 Fusconaia flava 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 9 Lampsilis cardium 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 Lampsilis siliquiodea 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Lampsilis teres 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Lasmigona complanata 3 2 1 0 0 2 0 6 14 Leptodea fragilis 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 Megalonaias nervosa 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Obliquaria reflexa 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 Potamilus purpuratus 3 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 7 Pyganodon grandis 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 5 Quadrula pustulosa 3 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 Quadrula quadrula 15 4 6 8 2 0 1 3 39 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Tritogonia verrucosa 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 8 Truncilla truncata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Total 92 38 68 43 45 10 77 58 431 Number of species 8 7 9 4 2 4 6 8 17 Man-hours searched 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 Number per man-hour 92.00 38.00 68.00 43.00 45.00 10.00 77.00 58.00 53.88

30

Table 6. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Neosho River Kansas, 2004-2005.

Quadrat Sample Sites Species 944 945 94169439 9440 9443 9438 Benway Total Amblema plicata 6 0 1 2 3 0 6 2 20 Ellipsaria lineolata 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 4 Elliptio dilatata 2 5 3 0 0 0 0 0 10 Fusconaia flava 4 1 6 5 8 0 0 0 24 Lampsilis cardium 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 6 Lampsilis rafinesqueana 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Lampsilis teres 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Leptodea fragilis 11 17 3 1 4 3 1 0 40 Megalonaias nervosa 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Obliquaria reflexa 3 2 4 7 12 1 5 2 36 Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Potamilus ohiensis 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 Potamilus purpuratus 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 4 Quadrula metanevra 80 17 42 63 171 7 24 1 405 Quadrula nodulata 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 1 8 Quadrula pustulosa 7 2 11 8 50 0 2 2 82 Quadrula quadrula 4 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 Tritogonia verrucosa 24 6 3 8 3 5 2 2 53 Truncilla donaciformis 7 11 101 19 1 1 10 0 150 Total 157 65 184 116 257 18 53 11 861 Number of species 14 11 11 10 11 6 8 7 19 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 3.92 1.604.60 2.90 6.42 0.45 1.32 0.28 2.69 Standard deviation 2.76 2.07 4.09 2.39 3.00 0.85 1.25 0.51 3.12 High Number per m2 13 8 18 10 14 3 5 2 14 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

31

Table 8. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Cottonwood River Kansas 2005.

Quadrat Sample Site Species 1 4 8 10 11 12 13 14 Total Fusconaia flava 2 12 1 0 1 2 3 1 22 Lampsilis teres 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 Leptodea fragilis 2 8 3 4 4 5 12 3 41 Ligumia subrostrata 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Obliquaria reflexa 1 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 7 Potamilus ohiensis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Potamilus purpuratus 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 3 9 Quadrula metanevra 2 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 Quadrula pustulosa 1 23 4 1 0 3 2 1 35 Quadrula quadrula 13 20 22 0 0 1 4 0 60 Strophitus undulatus 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Tritogonia verrucosa 32 11 26 0 2 3 1 5 80 Truncilla donaciformis 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Truncilla truncata 0 Total 55 90 57 6 10 18 24 16 276 Number of species 9 10 6 3 5 8 7 7 13 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 1.40 2.251.42 0.15 0.25 0.42 0.62 0.40 0.87 Standard deviation 1.48 2.38 1.96 0.48 0.54 0.68 1.35 0.67 1.52 High Number per m2 6 10 8 2 2 3 7 2 10 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

32

Table 9. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in the Cottonwood River Kansas 2005.

Sample Site Species 1 4 8 10 11 12 13 14 Total Fusconaia flava 0 16 0 0 1 8 0 2 27 Lampsilis cardium 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Lampsilis teres 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 Leptodea fragilis 2 5 3 4 0 1 4 4 23 Obliquaria reflexa 0 6 0 0 2 0 2 0 10 Potamilus ohiensis 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Potamilus purpuratus 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 6 Quadrula metanevra 0 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 Quadrula pustulosa 2 11 0 0 1 6 0 0 20 Quadrula quadrula 3 26 10 0 0 6 5 3 53 Tritogonia verrucosa 48 21 13 2 1 19 1 2 107 Truncilla truncata 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Total 55 94 26 6 7 43 14 13 258 Number of Species 4 10 3 2 6 8 6 5 11 Man-hours searched 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 Number per man- hour 55.00 94.0026.00 6.00 7.00 43.00 14.00 13.00 32.25

33

Table10. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Verdigris River between Toronto Dam and Neodesha, Kansas 2004 .

Quadrat Sample Sites Species 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Amblema plicata 1 5 4 4 7 2 16 6 45 Cyprogenia aberti 0 0 0 13 8 0 0 3 24 Ellipsaria lineolata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Fusconaia flava 4 22 5 27 33 1 5 6 103 Lampsilis cardium 0 4 0 3 8 3 0 2 20 Lampsilis siliquiodea 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Lampsilis teres 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 Lasmigona complanata 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 5 Leptodea fragilis 1 9 7 1 8 2 9 5 42 Megalonaias nervosa 1 0 3 3 0 0 1 0 8 Obliquaria reflexa 1 6 20 12 27 2 20 9 97 Pleurobema sintoxia 1 3 3 4 12 0 1 2 26 Potamilus purpuratus 1 0 0 1 1 4 2 4 13 Ptychobranchus occidentalus 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 4 Pyganodon grandis 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 Quadrula metanevra 15 34 42 85 150 4 13 23 366 Quadrula nodulata 2 13 2 4 18 0 8 6 53 Quadrula pustulosa 41 63 100 81 144 2 31 16 479 Quadrula quadrula 5 23 19 0 11 0 5 3 66 Strophitus undulatus 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 7 Tritogonia verrucosa 5 37 44 24 76 10 24 11 231 Truncilla donaciformis 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 1 6 Truncilla truncata 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 Total 80 222 252 274 510 31 138 98 1606 Number of Species 14 13 13 19 17 10 15 15 23 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 1.98 5.58 6.30 6.85 12.78 0.78 4.22 2.45 5.12 Standard deviation 3.53 4.11 5.41 8.68 8.70 1.02 2.69 2.61 6.33 High Number per m2 18 18 21 33 27 5 9 10 33 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

34

Table 11. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in the Verdigris River between Toronto Dam and Neodesha, Kansas 2004 .

Sample Site Species 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Amblema plicata 0 1 1 0 0 1 5 1 9 Cyprogenia aberti 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 Ellipsaria lineolata 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 Fusconaia flava 3 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 10 Lampsilis cardium 2 1 1 1 2 4 0 0 11 Lasmigona complanata 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 Leptodea fragilis 0 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 7 Megalonaias nervosa 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 Obliquaria reflexa 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 2 8 Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Potamilus ohiensis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Potamilus purpuratus 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Ptychobranchus occidentalus 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Quadrula metanevra 14 10 6 15 21 3 1 5 75 Quadrula nodulata 0 2 1 0 1 0 3 0 7 Quadrula pustulosa 20 4 16 4 20 1 4 2 71 Quadrula quadrula 2 3 6 0 2 1 2 0 16 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 Tritogonia verrucosa 3 2 13 3 11 13 7 1 53 Total 46 27 48 28 64 27 29 14 283 Number of Species 8 9 10 9 12 9 9 8 19 Man-hours searched 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 Number per man-hour 46.00 27.00 48.00 28.00 64.00 27.00 29.00 14.00 35.38

35

Table 12. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Verdigris River between Neodesha and Sycamore, Kansas 2003 .

Quadrat Sample Sites Species A B C D E F G H Total Amblema plicata 1 2 32 85 27 13 14 26 200 Cyprogenia aberti 8 16 19 29 8 14 6 9 109 Ellipsaria lineolata 0 0 3 8 2 1 0 1 15 Fusconaia flava 23 30 106 666 62 17 43 93 1040 Lampsilis cardium 4 7 5 18 1 5 5 12 57 Lampsilis rafinesqueana 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 6 Lampsilis teres 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 Lasmigona complanata 3 2 5 9 1 0 0 2 22 Leptodea fragilis 12 5 6 21 5 8 3 4 64 Megalonaias nervosa 0 0 4 6 1 1 1 0 13 Obliquaria reflexa 1 17 24 135 16 4 41 25 263 Pleurobema sintoxia 7 20 26 79 21 15 24 26 218 Potamilis purpuratus 3 1 2 11 1 2 2 2 24 Ptychobranchus occidentalis 12 5 31 28 21 8 9 21 135 Quadrula metanevra 47 147 239 542 159 50 103 228 1515 Quadrula nodulata 3 7 0 38 4 1 14 16 83 Quadrula pustulosa 21 41 58 337 36 7 90 151 741 Quadrula quadrula 4 9 7 111 1 2 11 10 155 Strophitus undulatus 6 2 7 13 5 4 2 9 48 Tritogonia verrucosa 15 22 46 65 42 21 25 23 259 Truncilla donaciformis 33 18 29 48 18 11 8 25 190 Truncilla truncata 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Total 204 351 650 2255 431 184 402 683 5160 Number of Species 18 17 19 21 19 18 18 18 22 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 5.10 8.78 16.28 56.38 10.78 4.62 10.08 17.08 16.13 Standard deviation 7.59 5.61 10.11 22.19 10.93 5.18 6.76 9.90 14.39 High Number per m2 41 28 37 149 59 20 29 38 149 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 29 0 0 0 0 0

36

Table 13. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Verdigris River between Sycamore and Coffeyville, Kansas 2003-2005.

Sample Sites McTaggart Species Baldy Browns Cedar Indy McTaggart 2 X Total Amblema plicata 6 3 69 6 6 10 26 126 Cyprgenia aberti 1 3 5 20 10 3 9 51 Ellipsaria lineolata 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 7 Fusconaia flava 0 4 14 19 9 2 238 286 Lampsilis teres 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 Lampsilis cardium 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 Lasmigona complanata 0 1 7 1 1 1 0 11 Leptodea fragilis 0 6 8 7 9 4 9 43 Megalonaias nervosa 0 0 10 2 0 1 8 21 Obliquaria reflexa 3 3 108 53 73 8 14 262 Potamilus ohiensis 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 Potamilus purpuratus 1 5 0 3 0 5 5 19 Pleurobema sintoxia 4 4 57 44 8 2 35 154 Ptychobtanchus occidentalis 1 2 1 11 5 1 16 37 Quadrula nodulata 3 9 104 20 34 6 16 192 Quadrula pustulosa 10 11 114 90 46 15 241 527 Quadrula quadrula 0 0 6 1 1 0 13 21 Quadrula metanevra 64 90 24 61 77 43 515 874 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 1 0 1 11 13 Tritogonia verrucosa 8 19 36 49 45 36 42 235 Truncilla donaciformis 10 27 9 41 57 8 13 165 Total 112 189 583 435 381 146 1211 3057 Number of Species 12 16 17 19 14 17 16 21 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 30 40 40 40 40 270 Number per m2 2.80 5.25 19.43 10.88 9.52 3.62 30.2811.40 Standard deviation 2.29 3.75 11.32 8.46 6.70 2.55 11.97 11.90 High Number per m2 10 20 54 41 30 10 52 54 Low Number per m2 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 0

37

Table 14. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in Fall River between Fall River Dam and Neodesha, Kansas 2004 .

Quadrat Sample Sites Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 8 4 24 10 9 12 23 11 101 Cyprogenia aberti 0 0 3 18 1 3 1 8 34 Fusconaia flava 108 16 37 13 3 15 22 14 228 Lampsilis cardium 6 1 3 5 14 2 8 2 41 Lampsilis rafinesqueana 1 0 3 1 0 0 1 3 9 Lampsilis teres 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Lasmigona complanata 1 1 3 1 2 3 0 0 11 Leptodea fragilis 9 3 8 9 13 1 1 6 50 Megalonaias nervosa 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 Obliquaria reflexa 3 13 19 86 70 13 19 14 237 Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0 8 1 0 0 5 6 20 Potamilis purpuratus 0 0 3 6 4 1 0 2 16 Ptychobranchus occidentalis 14 1 1 11 1 2 6 5 41 Quadrula metanevra 79 8 19 48 27 14 21 34 250 Quadrula pustulosa 178 20 68 46 59 56 29 38 494 Quadrula quadrula 5 2 0 2 3 3 5 5 25 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 4 Tritogonia verrucosa 38 2 10 24 35 22 8 12 151 Truncilla donaciformis 12 34 14 38 5 24 23 3 153 Total 465 105 223 321 248 171 172 166 1871 Number of Species 14 12 15 18 16 14 14 17 19 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 11.62 2.62 5.08 8.05 6.20 4.28 4.32 4.20 5.85 Standard deviation 10.39 1.92 4.74 3.98 7.30 3.84 3.21 4.13 6.09 High Number per m2 41 7 18 18 25 18 13 17 41 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

38

Table 15. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in Fall River between Fall River Dam and Neodesha, Kansas 2004 .

Sample Sites Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 3 5 32 48 31 78 19 216 Cyprogenia aberti 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 Fusconaia flava 5 25 13 7 14 15 0 79 Lampsilis cardium 1 6 3 0 18 9 6 43 Lampsilis rafinesqueana 0 0 1 2 0 5 0 8 Lasmigona complanata 1 0 0 7 8 1 0 17 Leptodea fragilis 0 3 0 0 3 2 6 14 Megalonaias nervosa 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 9 Obliquaria reflexa 1 5 0 7 51 2 1 67 Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 4 Potamilis purpuratus 0 0 1 6 7 0 2 16 Ptychobranchus occidentalis 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 Quadrula metanevra 13 28 7 10 19 4 13 94 Quadrula pustulosa 18 19 6 4 18 6 6 77 Quadrula quadrula 5 5 0 3 8 1 1 23 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Tritogonia verrucosa 5 4 4 11 58 8 20 110 Truncilla donaciformis 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 Total 52 101 69 114 239 133 78 786 Number of Species 9 11 9 14 12 13 11 18 Man-hours searched 1.0 2.8 3.0 3.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 19.25 Number per man-hour 52.00 36.07 23.00 32.57 79.67 44.3326.00 40.83

39

Table 16. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Elk River, Kansas 2004.

Quadrat Sample Site Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 2 1 11 51 49 18 3 27 162 Fusconaia flava 1 0 8 29 22 0 0 0 60 Lampsilis cardium 2 1 4 11 13 13 3 16 63 Lampsilis teres 2 1 2 0 1 1 0 3 10 Lasmigona complanata 0 1 3 1 1 3 3 4 16 Leptodea fragilis 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Ligumia subrostrata 0 0 7 2 1 2 0 4 16 Obliquaria reflexa 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 Pyganodon grandis 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 Quadrula pustulosa 8 8 0 2 0 0 0 0 18 Quadrula quadrula 0 1 2 3 0 8 0 0 14 Strophitus undulatus 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Tritogonia verrucosa 1 7 5 23 6 7 1 0 50 Unknown 0 0 3 3 0 2 1 0 9 Total 19 23 50 122 93 52 11 54 424 Number of species 7 8 10 8 7 7 5 5 14 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 0.48 0.58 1.32 3.12 2.32 1.35 0.30 1.30 1.35 Standard deviation 0.85 0.84 1.67 3.52 2.23 1.33 0.56 2.30 2.09 High Number per m2 3 3 7 14 9 5 2 12 14 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

40

Table 17. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in the Elk River, Kansas 2005.

Sample Site Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 2 8 12 42 52 19 10 66 211 Fusconaia flava 0 0 3 7 6 2 0 0 18 Lampsilis cardium 5 0 8 6 7 12 2 18 58 Lampsilis siliquoidea 0 0 3 3 3 4 1 2 16 Lampsilis teres 3 1 4 5 0 6 2 0 21 Lasmigona complanata 2 0 1 1 0 2 2 3 11 Leptodea fragilis 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 Ligumia subrostrata 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 4 8 Obliquaria reflexa 1 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Potamilus ohiensis 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Potamilus purpuratus 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Pyganodon grandis 0 1 4 0 0 1 0 0 6 Quadrula pustulosa 2 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Quadrula quadrula 7 1 0 1 2 7 2 1 21 Tritogonia verrucosa 5 10 5 12 10 1 0 1 44 Total 32 46 41 77 80 59 19 95 449 Number of Species 8 10 9 8 6 12 6 7 16 Man-hours searched 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 Number per man-hour 32.00 46.00 41.00 77.00 80.00 59.00 19.00 95.00 56.12

41

Table 18. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in Grouse Creek Butler and Cowley County, Kansas 2004.

Quadrat Sample Sites Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 61 5 26 5 26 37 31 53 244 Fusconaia flava 13 0 23 9 2 0 6 10 63 Lampsilis cardium 9 0 0 0 2 1 2 5 19 Lampsilis teres 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 Lasmigona complanata 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 Ligumia subrostrata 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 6 Pyganodon grandis 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 5 Quadrula pustulosa 5 9 10 8 4 2 10 6 54 Quadrula quadrula 12 1 0 4 4 3 1 2 27 S. undulatus 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 4 10 Tritogonia verrucosa 4 0 5 5 4 1 4 16 39 Total 111 16 67 31 45 45 59 101 475 Number of Species 10 4 6 5 8 6 9 9 11 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 2.78 0.40 1.80 0.78 1.10 1.12 1.48 2.52 1.50 Standard deviation 4.59 0.63 3.14 1.05 1.52 2.09 2.14 3.91 2.79 High Number per m2 17 2 14 4 6 8 8 13 17 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

42

Table 19. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in Grouse Creek Butler and Cowley County, Kansas 2004.

Sample Sites Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total Amblema plicata 35 23 129 126 102 141 25 70 651 Fusconaia flava 3 7 30 23 2 13 1 5 84 Lampsilis cardium 0 1 11 1 7 12 0 6 38 Lampsilis teres 1 0 1 0 2 5 0 0 9 Lasmigona complanata 0 1 11 2 3 7 2 8 34 Leptodea fragilis 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 4 Ligumia subrostrata 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 Pyganodon grandis 0 0 2 0 5 6 0 0 13 Quadrula pustulosa 1 19 14 17 2 11 0 1 65 Quadrula quadrula 4 4 6 19 9 6 0 5 53 S. undulatus 0 4 0 0 3 0 3 0 10 Tritogonia verrucosa 9 14 61 41 19 12 8 33 197 Total 53 73 268 229 154 215 40 128 1160 Number of Species 6 8 10 7 9 12 5 7 12 Man-hours searched 1 3.9 4 4.25 4.2 5.5 2 3 27.85 Number per man-hour 53.00 18.72 67.00 53.26 36.67 39.09 20.00 42.67 41.65

43

Table 20. Freshwater mussels sampled by 1-m2 quadrats in the Walnut River Butler and Cowley County, Kansas 2004.

Quadrat Sample Site Species 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total Fusconaia flava 0 5 4 41 3 2 3 6 64 Lampsilis cardium 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 1 14 Lasmigona complanata 4 3 5 2 12 10 13 0 49 Leptodea fragilis 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 3 9 Potamilus ohiensis 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 Quadrula pustulosa 1 6 8 38 4 5 5 12 79 Quadrula quadrula 44 108 47 37 48 32 12 18 346 Tritogonia verrucosa 11 50 18 29 7 34 31 11 191 Total 61 172 83 160 76 86 65 51 754 Number of Species 5 5 6 6 6 7 6 6 8 Quadrats (1-m2) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 320 Number per m2 1.52 4.30 2.08 4.00 1.90 2.15 1.62 1.28 2.36 Standard deviation 1.41 4.11 2.94 4.00 2.22 2.84 2.02 1.50 2.97 High Number per m2 5 14 12 14 10 9 8 5 14 Low Number per m2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table 21. Freshwater mussels sampled during timed searches in the Walnut River Butler and Cowley County, Kansas 2004.

Sample Site Species 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Total Fusconaia flava 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 21 Lampsilis cardium 0 1 0 15 0 1 0 0 16 Lasmigona complanata 5 6 0 0 17 0 17 0 69 Leptodea fragilis 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 Potamilus ohiensis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 Quadrula pustulosa 1 0 8 12 1 4 0 1 26 Quadrula quadrula 100 150 122 24 57 12 10 17 492 Tritogonia verrucosa 8 13 34 20 5 21 21 10 119 Total 115 172 168 71 80 39 48 29 746 Number of Species 5 5 5 4 4 5 3 4 8 Man-hours searched 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 Number per man-hour 115.00 172.00 168.00 71.00 80.00 39.00 48.00 29.00 93.25