Pine River Mussel Relocation

ASTI Environmental is conducting a freshwater mussel salvage and relocation effort in the Pine River at the Lumberjack Road (north crossing) in Seville Township, Gratiot County, Michigan. The project is being completed in advance of construction activities due to the presence of state-listed mussels and has already resulted in the successful relocation of 1,219 live mussels representing eleven species. These include six state-threatened slippershell mussels and more than 200 individuals of species of special concern.

The scope of work involves planning and executing the salvage and relocation of all live native mussels from an approximately 900-square-meter survey area to a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) approved upstream relocation site. ASTI’s team is responsible for mussel species identification, tagging and documentation, habitat assessments, and the safe transport and release of mussels to the designated relocation area. All activities are being completed in full compliance with the Michigan Freshwater Mussel Survey Protocols and Relocation Procedures.

Due to a high mussel density within the survey area, more than 1,200 live individuals have been collected, processed, and relocated to date. A representative subset, approximately 20 percent of the non-listed and special concern mussels, has been marked to support post-relocation monitoring efforts. Interns from PEA Group assisted during the initial fieldwork, helping to significantly reduce field time and contributing to the project’s continued success.