U.S. FWS
Environmental Conservation Online System
Conserving the Nature of America

Recovery Plan Action Status

Plan Name: Recovery Plan for 7 mussels
Plan Status: Final
Plan Date: 19-Sep-03
Lead Agency: USFWS
Lead Office: Panama City Ecological Services Field Office ( (850) 769-0552 )
Species Action Priority # Action # Action Description Action Status Est. Initiation Date Est. Completion Date Responsible Parties Work Type Labor Type Action Comments Implementation Activities
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.1 Continue to use existing laws, regulations, programs to protect species and habitat Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Other: Information and Education, Other: Law Enforcement, Other: Regulations Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 1 1.2.1 Provide information and request support of state and local governments for recovery efforts Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Management: Planning, Other: Information and Education Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 1 1.2.2 Provide information and request support from private landowners, agriculture, silviculture and developement groups to implement voluntary protection and conservation actions Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation, Management: Planning, Management: Land Use, Other: Information and Education Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.2.3 Develop cooperative ventures to restore riparian habitat Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Acquisition, Management, Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.2.4 Encourage incorporation of conservation approaches into the ACF water allocation formula Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State agencies Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation, Management: Planning, Management: Land Use Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.3.1 Conduct studies on life history characteristics Ongoing Current FY 2008 Universities, Federal Agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division, State agencies Research: Other Information Graduate Student, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance Columbus State University completed fish host trials on the Purple bankclimber. The Unveristy of Georgia conducted host trials and on the Purple bankclimber, and currently conducting life history studies and host trials on the other listed mussels with the exception of the Ochlockonee moccasinshell.
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.3.2 Characterize species' habitats for all life history stages Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Resource Division, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Research: Habitat Status, Research: Habitat Requirements Graduate Student, Internal Technical Assistance A large study on mussel distribution relative to habitat type is currently being conducted on the Apalachicola River using side scan sonar. This will be expanded to other systems if applicable.
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 1 1.3.3 Determine mechanisms and impacts of present and foreseeable threats to the species Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Resource Division, Federal Agencies, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division, State agencies Management: Planning, Research Internal Technical Assistance Several studies are currently being completed to assess the impacts of drought and human water use on listed mussels in the Apalachicola River, Flint River, Chipola River and tributaries, Spring Creek, and Sawhatchee Creek. These include monitoring survival at impacted sites, ability to move with declining water levels at several impacted sites, quantifying emersion time to death, modeling persistence under varying degress of water consumption, and evaluating water quality and quantity using artifical pumping of ground water over mussel beds.
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.3.4 Determine contaminant sensitivity for life stages Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Universities, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Research: Environmental Contaminants Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 1 1.3.5 Prioritize needs and implement actions for habitat improvement and threat abatement to secure extant subpopulations Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation, Research: Habitat Status, Research: Habitat Requirements Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.3.6 Determine number of specimens and sex ratio to maintain long-term natural viable subpopulations Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Universities, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Research: Population Surveys, Research: Demographic Studies, Research: Other Information Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 1.3.8 Determine if increase in the current extent of occurrence for each species is adequate for recovery Ongoing Not Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 Private Companies, State agencies, Federal Agencies, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Management: Planning, Research: Population Surveys, Research: Demographic Studies Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 2.1 Develop a prioritized list by species of streams and stream reaches that should be surveyed Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Management: Planning, Research: Population Surveys Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 2.2.1 Complete a standardized mussel survey protocol Complete FY 2000 - FY 2004 FY 2008 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State agencies, Federal Agencies, Universities Management: Planning, Research: Population Surveys Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 3.1 Develop or adopt a mussel propagation, augmentation, and reintroduction plan for these seven species Ongoing Not Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Resource Division, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Management: Propagation, Management: Reintroduction, Management: Planning Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 1 3.2 Refine techniques and methodologies for propagating and translocating specimens Ongoing Current FY 2009 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division, Federal Agencies, State agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries Resource Division Research: Other Information Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance Both Warm Springs NFH and University of Georgia are working on propagation techniques. A translocation study is underway to evaluate the effects of moving mussels in small streams. It will assess the growth and survival of oval pigtoes translocated to suitable habitat downstream. The study is a part of drought contingency planning in the event mussels become exposed when water levels decline.
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 3.3.1 Identify and prioritize as a prerequisite for augmentation extant subpopulations based on biological, ecological, and habitat characterization Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Management: Planning, Research: Population Surveys, Research: Habitat Status, Research: Habitat Requirements Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 3.4.1 Identify and prioritize suitable sites for species reintroductions in historic range Planned FY 2006 State agencies, Federal Agencies, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Management: Reintroduction, Management: Planning, Research: Habitat Status Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 1 3.5 Identify, prioritize, and implement actions to protect or restore habitats in streams and watersheds slated for reintroductions of subpopulations in need of protection from further threats Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Management: Habitat Maintenance and Manipulation, Research: Habitat Status, Research: Habitat Requirements, Research: Reintroduction Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 3.6 Augment existing subpopulations/sites and reestablish new subpopulations within historical range of species Planned FY 2013 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division, Universities, Federal Agencies, State agencies Management: Reintroduction Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 4.1 Develop a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) database and update regularly Partially Complete FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Other: Information and Education, Research: Population Surveys, Research: Other Information Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 2 4.2 Conduct biennial monitoring of the seven mussels and their habitats Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Research: Population Surveys, Research: Habitat Status Graduate Student, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 3 5.1 Develop an education/outreach program Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Other: Information and Education Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 3 5.2 Educational Training for LE, natural resource managers, and the general public Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Other: Information and Education Contract, Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 3 6.1 Meet with stakeholders Ongoing Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division, All Stakeholders Management: Planning, Other: Information and Education Internal Technical Assistance
Chipola slabshell (Elliptio chipolaensis), Fat three-ridge (mussel) (Amblema neislerii), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), Oval pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme), Purple bankclimber (mussel) (Elliptoideus sloatianus), Shinyrayed pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata) 3 6.2 Assess recovery program Ongoing Not Current FY 2000 - FY 2004 State agencies, Federal Agencies, Universities, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Division Other Internal Technical Assistance
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