Freshwater Mussel Salvage & Relocation

Westmoreland Park

Portland, OR

Friday, July 8, 2016 PDT

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Why survey for native freshwater mussels?

Freshwater mussels are among the most at-risk animals in the U.S. and Oregon is home to only a few species of native freshwater mussels. Mussels benefit streams and fish by improving water quality, they are food for a variety of mammals and birds, and mussel beds provide habitat for other stream inhabitants. Previous surveys by Xerces staff and volunteers have shown that Crystal Springs Creek supports large populations of native mussels.  

In 2013, volunteers helped find and relocate mussels prior to stream restoration in Crystal Springs Creek at Westmoreland Park. With additional restoration occurring upstream to remove a culvert near Bybee Blvd. and SE Glenwood St., surveys this year will enlist the help of volunteers to salvage mussels ahead of construction activities. All mussels found will be transported upstream to unimpacted areas of Crystal Springs Creek.

Who can help? 

No prior experience is required. Prepare for a day in the water and wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and mucky or bring chest waders if you have them. The sediment is often over a foot deep in some areas, making movement in the stream somewhat difficult. Closed-toed shoes are suggested because of the possibility of sharp debris in the stream and a walking stick can help with movement through the stream. Surveys are suitable for adults and older children, but due to deep water in some areas of the stream, minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please also note that this area will be considered an active construction zone during the stream survey. Therefore, all participants will be provided with a hard hat and reflective vest that must be worn at all times.

Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of water!    

What will the work involve?                                     

Volunteers will help salvage native mussels and collect data. Work will involve frequent bending motions and the use of hand-held dredge nets to survey the bottom for mussels. Work will also involve the relocation of mussels in vehicles to a receiving site. One team will help survey for mussels, while another team will help place the mussels in the streambed at a different location.

ABOUT THE XERCES SOCIETY

The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat. For over forty years, the Society has been at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs. For information about the Xerces Society, visit: http://www.xerces.org/.

ABOUT THE CRYSTAL SPRINGS PARTNERSHIP

The Crystal Springs Partnership is a group of community members, organizations, and City representatives who are working toward making the Crystal Springs Watershed a vibrant, healthy place for people and wildlife. The group is partnering local knowledge and agency expertise to develop a national model for urban watersheds. In particular, working toward ensuring that Crystal Springs Creek will have healthy urban salmon through community collaboration around education, advocacy, and restoration. For information about the Crystal Springs Partnership, visit:  http://www.crystalspringspdx.org/.