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Title:	A survey for live mussels in the Black and Spring Rivers, Arkansas, 1985
Authors:	Miller, Andrew C. Hartfield, Paul D.
Keywords:	Freshwater mussels--Black River (Ark.) Freshwater mussels--Spring River (Ark.) Endangered species
Publisher:	Environmental Laboratory (U.S.)
Series/Report no.:	Miscellaneous Paper;EL-86-7
Abstract:	Abstract: To provide information for the Permits Branch, US Army Engineer District, Little Rock, a survey for live mussels was conducted on portions of the Black and Spring Rivers in Lawrence and Randolph Counties, Ark., on 9 to 12 September 1985. The primary purpose of this survey was to locate specimens of the endangered species Lampsilis orbiculata or other endangered mussels. Two specimens of L. orbiculata were found -- one at Black River mile 75.05 (right bank) and the other at mile 80.7 (left bank). On the Black River, between miles 68 and 92, 44 collections were made at 22 locations; live mussels were found in 29 of the 44 collections. At seven locations on the river, more than 50 individuals and five species were collected. A total of 29 species of mussels were identified. The fauna was dominated by six species, including Amblema plicata (26.13 percent), Quadrula pustulosa (25.59 percent), Fusconaia flava (11.69 percent), and F. ebena (9.21 percent). Uncommon species included Megalonaias gigantea, Proptera laevissima, and Strophitus subvexus. The Black River in the study area can be characterized as deep, with moderate current and substrate composed of sand mixed with mud, and various amounts of organic matter. Three gravel bars were identified in the area surveyed; a bar located at mile 73.2 supported a community with high density and species richness. The Spring River consists of two distinct habitat·types, a pool-riffle sequence with sand and gravel between miles 11.0 and 3.2, and a slow-moving, deep-water section with sand and mud substrate between miles 0.0 and 3.2. No living bivalves were found in the lower reach of the river; however, two specimens of L. orbiculata were found during a previous study at miles 10.7 and 7.7. Based on earlier work and observations made during this study, it was determined that the upper reach (between miles 11 and 7.0) of the Spring River provides the best habitat for freshwater mussels.
URI:	http://hdl.handle.net/11681/21647
Appears in Collections:	Miscellaneous Paper