Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Planeach mussel community type and the habitats that contain rich mussel populations to effectively protectbiodiversity.Fatmucket Mussel CommunityCommunity Indicators: fatmucketAlthough the fatmucket may occur in the absence of other mussel species in the Connoquenessing Creekwatershed, in other locations, mussel species like the giant floater, three-ridge, and Wabash pigtoe may befound with this community type.Species of conservation concern: fatmucket (S4/G5), giant floater (S4/G5), Wabash pigtoe (S2/G5),three-ridge (S2S3/G5)Preferring quieter and relatively slow waters in Pennsylvania, the Fatmucket Community inhabits varioussize streams, but usually occurs in medium size or larger streams. This community prefers with sand andgravel substrate, but reaches greatest abundance in standing water, in clay, silt, or mud substrate(Parmalee & Bogan, 1998). Fatmucket mussels usually prefer quiet or slow moving water with mudbottoms and avoid riffles (Parmalee & Bogan, 1998). This species is widespread and occurs in a varietyof habitats (Strayer & Jirka, 1997).The primary indicators are moderately strong indicators that this community is present, but are also foundin other community types (especially the fatmucket mussel). A moderate number of rare and intoleranttaxa are associated with this community. In the Connoquenessing Creek watershed, the community isfound in Connoquenessing Creek, Little Connoquenessing Creek, Thorn Creek, and Glade Run. TheFatmucket Community is common throughout the Ohio River Basin.Community quality rating: UndeterminedCommunity rarity: NoThreats: The causes of potential threats to the community area varied, but include acid mine drainage,urban/suburban runoff, and siltation and nutrient enrichment for agricultural sources. In the mid-reachesof Connoquenessing Creek, where the Fatmucket Community occurs, water quality impairment due tohigh salinity/total dissolved solids/chlorides and runoff from impervious surfaces likely damages themussel community. The community habitat in Little Connoquenessing Creek and its tributaries isthreatened by excess metals from acid mine drainage. In Thorn Creek and its tributaries, agriculturalpractices may be altering stream flow, adding nutrients, and modifying stream habitats. Mercury wascited as impairing fish consumption in Thorn Creek and may also be a hazard to mussels. Similar toThorn Creek, headwaters of Glade Run are impaired by agriculture, leading to excess siltation andnutrients (DEP, 2006a).Conservation recommendations: Conserving quiet medium- to large-size streams and the backwaters ofrivers as community habitat is a priority for conservation. Aggressively combating the many sources ofpollution and habitat degradation in the Connoquenessing Creek watershed is necessary to maintain theFatmucket Community. Managing non-point sources in watersheds from agriculture and impervioussources will maintain quality habitats. In addition, preventing severe in-stream and riparian habitat andstream flow disturbance near community habitats will also ensure community survival over the long term.Acid mine drainage and associated pollution is particularly toxic to mussels; ameliorating water pollutionfrom that source must be addressed for the health of mussel populations and communities.Appendix M. Aquatic Community Classification Page 6 of 8