Appalachian Elktoe relocation associated with a dam removal project
in Western North Carolina
John M. Alderman, Alderman Environmental Services, Inc., Pittsboro, North Carolina
Joseph D. Alderman, Alderman Environmental Services, Inc., Hillsborough, North Carolina;
Hugh Barwick, Duke Energy (retired), Cornelius, North Carolina;
Mark Cantrell, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Asheville, North Carolina;
Scott Fletcher, Duke Energy, Environmental Center, Huntersville, North Carolina;
Gene Vaughan, Duke Energy (retired), Mooresville, North Carolina
Abstract:
The Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) is a federally listed endangered mussel species with extant populations largely restricted to Tennessee River Basin tributaries in western North Carolina. One of the largest populations occurs in the Tuckasegee River. Since 2000, Duke Energy has been engaged in the FERC relicensing process associated with its hydroelectric projects. Part of the mitigation process was the license surrender of the Dillsboro Hydro Project, which included dam removal to restore the river continuum and aquatic habitats, temporary relocation of a downstream local Appalachian elktoe population in the immediate demolition area, and monitoring of mussel fauna at 4 sites: relocation site, depletion site (just downstream from the dam), and 2 sites downriver from the depletion site. Using numerous techniques to minimize disturbance of individual Appalachian elktoes, three intensive depletion passes located and moved 1,137 individuals. In 2010, following dam removal in 2009, intensive monitoring of live mussels occurred during May and October. October's monitoring results included 1,309 animals (resident plus relocated Appalachian elktoes) at the relocation site, 457 animals at the depletion site, and a total of 209 at the other 2 monitoring sites. Confirmed mortality to date is 7 (<1%) Appalachian elktoes at the relocation site. Appalachian elktoes now occupy the 0.9-mile formerly impounded reach, reconnecting the Tuckasegee River population.
in Western North Carolina
John M. Alderman, Alderman Environmental Services, Inc., Pittsboro, North Carolina
Joseph D. Alderman, Alderman Environmental Services, Inc., Hillsborough, North Carolina;
Hugh Barwick, Duke Energy (retired), Cornelius, North Carolina;
Mark Cantrell, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Asheville, North Carolina;
Scott Fletcher, Duke Energy, Environmental Center, Huntersville, North Carolina;
Gene Vaughan, Duke Energy (retired), Mooresville, North Carolina
Abstract:
The Appalachian elktoe (Alasmidonta raveneliana) is a federally listed endangered mussel species with extant populations largely restricted to Tennessee River Basin tributaries in western North Carolina. One of the largest populations occurs in the Tuckasegee River. Since 2000, Duke Energy has been engaged in the FERC relicensing process associated with its hydroelectric projects. Part of the mitigation process was the license surrender of the Dillsboro Hydro Project, which included dam removal to restore the river continuum and aquatic habitats, temporary relocation of a downstream local Appalachian elktoe population in the immediate demolition area, and monitoring of mussel fauna at 4 sites: relocation site, depletion site (just downstream from the dam), and 2 sites downriver from the depletion site. Using numerous techniques to minimize disturbance of individual Appalachian elktoes, three intensive depletion passes located and moved 1,137 individuals. In 2010, following dam removal in 2009, intensive monitoring of live mussels occurred during May and October. October's monitoring results included 1,309 animals (resident plus relocated Appalachian elktoes) at the relocation site, 457 animals at the depletion site, and a total of 209 at the other 2 monitoring sites. Confirmed mortality to date is 7 (<1%) Appalachian elktoes at the relocation site. Appalachian elktoes now occupy the 0.9-mile formerly impounded reach, reconnecting the Tuckasegee River population.
Biography:
John Alderman was one of the original NC Wildlife Resources Commission's Nongame & Endangered Wildlife Program biologists during the early 1980s. Over the decades, his focus was increasingly on conservation of freshwater habitats and aquatic species. Once retired in 2003, John started a business, Alderman Environmental Services, Inc., which continues to emphasize this focus throughout much of the eastern United States.