James Spinymussel Focus Area

<p style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:
normal'>This federally listed endangered species’ extant range is Virginia,
West Virginia, and North Carolina with the majority occurring in Virginia. Our
goal is to further the recovery of this species through protection/restoration
of habitat and improvement to water quality. A number of non-governmental
organizations, as well as state and local agencies, are interested in recovery
of the species and enhancing water quality and habitat. We will support our
partners to ensure completion of ongoing life history studies and focus on
riparian and stream restoration, barrier removal (restore connectivity),
livestock exclusion from streams, livestock watering and shelters, trapping of
mammalian predators, and other projects that will improve or protect James
spinymussel populations and its habitat. We will support modeling efforts to
refine potential habitat, work with our partners to engage in outreach, and
support survey, propagation, and augmentation efforts for this species.</p>