Using freshwater mussel communities to inform dam removal decisions: lessons learned following removal of Carter's Dam, Conewango Creek, Pennsylvania

Freshwater mussel communities can be adversely affected by dam removal decisions. The removal of Carter’s Dam, Conewango Creek was determined to have an adverse impact on the state and federally endangered Northern Riffleshell (Epioblasma torulosa rangiana) and 19 other historic or currently known mussel species. Prior to removal, short-term and long-term consequences of removing Carter's Dam were carefully considered. A coordinated effort resulted in the salvage of 10,781 mussels representing 14 species. A total of 1,599 salvaged mussels were relocated for long-term monitoring. The results of the mussel salvage suggest several management strategies that would enhance or inform dam removal decision-making. These strategies include: 1) prioritizing dam removals based upon mussel community diversity; 2) evaluating long-term effects of dam removal on mussel and fish communities, and; 3) alternative approaches to mussel relocations.