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PLEASE NOTE: The schedule posted here is as of 1/25/16, and is subject to change. Please check back for updates.
AUTHORS:Heidi L. Dunn*, Ecological Specialists, Inc.; Brian Johnson, St. Louis District Army Corps of Engineers; Teresa C. Allen, Ph.D., St. Louis District Army Corps of Engineers
ABSTRACT: The St. Louis District Army Corps of Engineers (SLD) constructs river training structures (RTS) in the Mississippi River to maintain a 9ft navigation channel. SLD has focused on constructing innovative RTS that hydraulically act like the traditional wing dikes, but provide a variety of depths and substrates to promote habitat diversity. These structures provide habitat for a variety of fish and invertebrates, and SLD is interested in determining if these structures provide habitat for freshwater mussels. An extensive review of literature on mussel habitat, previous mussel habitat construction attempts, and mussel distribution was completed and presented in a multi-agency workshop. Subsequently, a study was undertaken to evaluate whether existing structures were providing mussel habitat. The study examined two reference sites (existing mussel beds) and five RTS sites (3 areas with chevron dikes, 1 area with a W dike, and 1 area with multiple round point structures) throughout Pools 24, 25, and 26 of the Mississippi River. At each site, physical habitat data (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data and bathymetric data) were collected to develop a 2D AdH model of depth, depth averaged velocity (magnitude and direction), and shear stress. Preliminary depth and velocity data were reviewed to determine if stable substrate and flow refugia might be available for mussels. Qualitative mussel sampling was focused in these areas, with the objective of delineating any mussel communities. Quantitative samples were collected within and outside of mussel habitat areas. Mussel data will be combined with modeled hydraulic conditions to determine what parameters are associated with mussel communities. Results will be used to recommend changes to river training structures that might enhance or promote the formation of mussel communities in the Mississippi River.
Tuesday January 26, 2016 2:00pm - 2:20pm EST
Vandenberg B