New York State Museum Wins EPA Grant to Restore Freshwater Mussels

A cooperative agreement worth $713,000 has been awarded to the New York State Museum by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to spearhead a five-year initiative focused on revitalizing freshwater mussel populations in the Lower Grasse River. This project aims to reintroduce nearly 500,000 rescued mussels into their restored habitats, with the objective of creating self-sustaining "founder colonies" capable of natural reproduction to bolster mussel populations in New York. Scientists at the museum have started assessing the restored river environments and methodically reintroducing mussels to chosen sites. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance scientific research that could guide freshwater restoration efforts both in New York and beyond. The Lower Grasse River is situated within the St. Lawrence River watershed, contributing to larger conservation initiatives in the area. This grant highlights the vital role of state institutions in environmental recovery and emphasizes the significance of freshwater mussels as a keystone species essential for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.