Theme and Agenda

Click here for Agenda page

The workshop will focus on mussel studies and regulatory processes associated with dam removal projects. The entire first day of this workshop (Thursday, April 24th) will be devoted to invited oral presentations of field studies conducted pre- and post- dam removal from projects in various regions of the country. Speakers will share their experience and lessons learned, in particular where freshwater mussel studies were conducted. Such studies may not be limited to mussel surveys, but other environmental variables that may affect aquatic habitat and thus the restoration capacity for mollusks. Speakers will provide recommendations for others currently dealing with active or potential dam removals or refurbishing. A panel discussion will follow.

-- WELCOME RECEPTION AND POSTER PRESENTATION --

After dinner on Thursday, return to the Holiday Inn to join us for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at the welcome reception and poster presentation. Guest invitations, including 2 drink tickets, are available for an additional $25.00. A poster session relevant to these topics will be held during an evening reception on the 24th.
A list of the poster presentations is provided. Click here to download a PDF of the list.

Poster authors should be mindful of the poster size of 40 inches (Height) x 45 inches (Width). This is the size of the poster board easel set up, thus any larger size than that will not properly fit the set up. Push pins will be provided for set up.

Friday morning (April 25th) presentations will focus on the state and federal regulatory processes involved in dam removals to facilitate planning. Some states have developed a regulatory permitting process specific to dam removals, or have guidelines on both pre- and post- dam removal environmental studies, including mussel studies. A panel discussion will follow.


-- TALKS --


Thursday 24 :

• Managing sediment during dam removal to reduce downstream mussel impacts.
Nick Nelson, Andy Selle, Mike Burke - all with Inter-Fluve, Inc.
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Experimental PIT-tagging and translocation of Yellow Lampmussels (Lampsilis cariosa), Tidewater Muckets (Leptodea ochracea), and Eastern Lampmussels (Lampsilis radiata radiata) for removal of the Fort Halifax Dam on the Sebasticook River, Maine.
Cynthia S. Loftin, US Geological Survey, Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Orono, ME; Jennifer E. Kurth, Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine; Judith Rhymer (retired), Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine.
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Effect of dam removal on the unionid mussel community in the Salmon River, New York
John E. Cooper, Cooper Environmental Research, Constantia, New York
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Effects of small dam removal on a freshwater mussel assemblage in the Deep River of North Carolina: findings and lessons learned Ryan J. Heise, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina
W. Gregory Cope, Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; Thomas J. Kwak, U.S. Geological Survey, North Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina; and Chris B. Eads, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Not all dams are equal: complex interactions between small dams and mussels in the southeastern USA
Michael Gangloff, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina; Rachael Hoch, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Marion, North Carolina; Jordan Holcomb, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Gainesville, Florida; Megan McCormick, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina; Erin Singer-McCombs, American Rivers, Asheville, North Carolina; Erin Abernethy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia; and Robert Nichols, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, North Carolina
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Physical habitat conditions and low-head dams: factors affecting the distribution and abundance of freshwater mussels and their relation to the dam removal process
W. Cody Fleece and Scott Peyton, Stantec Consulting Services, Cincinnati, Ohio; David Huntress, Stantec Consulting Services, Topsham, Maine; Bryon Ringley and Travis White, Stantec Consulting Services, Columbus, Ohio; Tim Taylor, Stantec Consulting Services, Charlotte, North Carolina; and James Kiser, Stantec Consulting Services, Louisville, Kentucky
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Pre-dam removal surveys: Keys to good survey design for successfully quantifying federal and state listed species
Daelyn A. Woolnough and Shaughn Barnett, Biology Department and Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• 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; and Gene Vaughan, Duke Energy (retired), Mooresville, North Carolina
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Dwarf Wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon) Relocation and Monitoring for the Removal of the Homestead Woolen Mill Dam on the Ashuelot River (Swanzey, New Hampshire)
Ethan Nedeau, Biodrawversity, Amherst, Massachusetts
• Freshwater Mussel Research and Monitoring for the Penobscot River Restoration Project
Ethan Nedeau, Biodrawversity, Amherst, Massachusetts
George Aponte Clark, Penobscot River Restoration Trust
Click here for Abstracts and Bio.



Friday 25, morning :

• Dillsboro dam removal – lessons learned.
Ty Ziegler, P.E., HDR Engineering, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Permitting dam removal in Massachusetts: how mussels fit in to the regulatory framework.
Beth Lambert, Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Boston, Massachusetts;
Peter Hazelton, Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, West Boylston, Massachusetts; and Misty-Anne Marold, Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, West Boylston, Massachusetts
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Assessing aquatic faunal response to dam removal: maximizing mitigation credits through monitoring methods. Case studies in North Carolina, results and recommendations for future projects.
Timothy W. Savidge, the Catena Group Inc., 410-b Millstone Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
Click here for Abstract and Bio.

• Endangered mussels and dams: navigating the complex waters of river restoration and mussel mitigation. Beth Swartz, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Bangor, Maine
Click here for Abstract and Bio.


-- TWO OPTIONAL EVENTS ARE OFFERED ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON --

TOUR OF DAM REMOVAL SITES ON THE PENOBSCOT RIVER
(click on center to make the flip book full screen)


courtesy of Steve Shepard of the USFWS

Two mainstem hydroelectric dams were decommissioned and removed from the lower Penobscot River in the past two years. This site visit consists of a bus trip to the Great Works (2012) and Veazie (2013) dam removals on the Penobscot River near Bangor, Maine. For comparison, the tour will include a view of a similar hydropower project just upstream of the two removed. These were all typical mainstem, low head run-of-river hydro projects. The tour will then move downstream about 1.2 miles to the site of the Great Works Dam where the old powerhouse can be viewed across the river, then downstream to the site of the Veazie Dam. These impoundments provide excellent habitat for mussels, including two state-listed mussel species. The widely acclaimed and innovative restoration project included an intensive mussel salvage effort by a network of volunteers. A representative from the Penobscot River Trust will be available to discuss the landmark settlement with the hydropower owner and the process involved in negotiating the removal of the these two mainstem dams.
Learn more at: Penobscot River Restoration
The trip will include a box lunch with drink. 40 seats are available.

MUSSEL IDENTIFICATION WORKSHOP

Arthur Bogan, Research Curator of Aquatic Invertebrates at the North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences will teach a mussel identification workshop focused on northeastern species. The first portion of the workshop will examine the conservation issues facing freshwater mussels, from a worldwide perspective, and will discuss the biology, life history, and distribution of freshwater mussels. The second portion will focus on taxonomic identification, providing methods as well as some examples of freshwater mussels found throughout the northeastern Atlantic Slope of the United States. A key to the native freshwater mussels of the northern Atlantic Slope mussels will be provided. Participants may bring their own voucher specimens to examine.
Lunch is included. Space is limited to 25 people.
Art Bogan's Bio Page. click here





Poster Titles

The workshop will have invited speakers presenting on a theme of 'lessons learned' based on researchers involved in dam removals from various parts of the country. The workshop will also host poster presentations during the evening social on Thursday, April 24.


Location

The workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine. Located 3 miles west of the Portland International Airport, the Holiday Inn by the Bay provides free shuttle service to/from airport, train and bus station for guests and free parking for guests, and free wireless. The Holiday Inn is located in downtown Portland, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs, the Arts District, and the working waterfront. The metropolitan hub of Maine's south coast region, the greater Portland area has a metro population of 230,000; population of the city is 66,363.
Portland is a safe, culturally fascinating city, and is highly renowned for its restaurants and micro-breweries. Learn more about the amenities of the hotel and places to visit in the neighborhoods of downtown Portland here:
Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine - 1-207-775-2311



Reservations:
You can reserve online or call the hotel at: 1-207-775-2311
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn by the Bay at a rate of $112.00 for single or double occupancy for a standard room with two double beds. A charge of $10.00 per person will apply for additional people sharing the room. Rooms with a king sized bed are available at a rate of $127.00. A limited number of guest rooms will be held in a separate block at the existing government per diem rate. A valid government identification must be presented at the hotel front desk upon check in for verification. All rates are subject to a hotel tax of 8%. Convention rates will be extended one day before and after the official meeting dates, based upon availability.

Sponsorship

The FMCS is a not-for-profit, dedicated to the advocacy and conservation science of freshwater mollusk resources. The FMCS workshop provides a great opportunity to network and build relationships with conservation professionals from state and federal government, industry, and conservation organizations. The Society has a membership of 500, and 100 members generally attend the biennial workshop. These professionals are constantly working to conserve freshwater mollusks, and we need your help. We are requesting monetary sponsorship to help cover the costs of the workshop facilities.

Fill out Online Sponsorship form here.
OR
Download our sponsorship form here.

All Sponsor Contributions Include Recognition in the Workshop Notebook