Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing the Rayed Bean and Snuffbox as Endangered, 67552-67583 [2010-27413]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 211 (Tuesday, November 2, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67552-67583]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27413]



[[Page 67551]]

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Part IV





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 17



Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing the Rayed Bean 
and Snuffbox as Endangered; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 211 / Tuesday, November 2, 2010 / 
Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R3-ES-2010-0019; MO 92210-0-0008-B2]
RIN 1018-AV96


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing the Rayed 
Bean and Snuffbox as Endangered

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
list the rayed bean (Villosa fabalis) and snuffbox (Epioblasma 
triquetra) as endangered throughout their ranges, under Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposed rule, if made 
final, would extend the Act's protection to the rayed bean and the 
snuffbox. We have determined that designating critical habitat for 
these species is prudent, but not determinable at this time. The 
Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed 
listing rule.

DATES: We will consider comments we receive on or before January 3, 
2011. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the 
address shown in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section on or 
before December 17, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-R3-
2010-0019.
     U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: FWS-R3-2010-0019; Division of Policy and Directives Management; 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; 
Arlington, VA 22203.
    We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see the Public Comments section below for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Angela Boyer at the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Ohio Ecological Services Field Office, 4625 Morse 
Road, Suite 104, Columbus, OH 43230; telephone 614-416-8993, ext. 22.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Comments

    Our intent is to use the best available commercial and scientific 
data as the foundation for all endangered and threatened species 
listing determinations. We therefore request comments or suggestions 
from other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, 
industry, or any other interested party concerning this proposed rule 
to list the rayed bean and snuffbox as endangered. We particularly seek 
comments concerning:
    (1) Survey results for the rayed bean or snuffbox, as well as any 
studies that may show distribution, status, population size, or 
population trends, including indications of recruitment;
    (2) Pertinent aspects of life history, ecology, and habitat use of 
the rayed bean or snuffbox;
    (3) Current and foreseeable threats faced by the rayed bean or 
snuffbox, or both species, in relation to the five factors (as defined 
in section 4(a)(1) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.));
    (4) The specific physical and biological features to consider, and 
specific areas that may meet the definition of critical habitat and 
that should or should not be considered for a proposed critical habitat 
designation as provided by section 4 of the Act; and
    (5) The data and studies to which this proposal refers.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not 
accept comments sent by e-mail or fax or to an address not listed in 
the ADDRESSES section. Comments must be submitted to https://www.regulations.gov before midnight (Eastern Time) on the date 
specified in the DATES section. Finally, we will not consider hand-
delivered comments that we do not receive, or mailed comments that are 
not postmarked, by the date specified in the DATES section.
    We will post your entire comment --including your personal 
identifying information--on https://www.regulations.gov. If you provide 
us personal identifying information such as your street address, phone 
number, or e-mail address, you may request at the top of your document 
that we withhold this information from public review. However, we 
cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov, or by 
appointment, during normal business hours at the Ohio Ecological 
Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Public Hearing

    The Act provides for one or more public hearings on this proposal, 
if requested. We must receive requests by the date listed in the DATES 
section above. Such requests must be made in writing and addressed to 
the Field Supervisor of the Ohio Ecological Services Field Office (see 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Background

Species Descriptions

    The rayed bean is a small mussel usually less than 1.5 inches (in) 
(3.8 centimeters (cm)) in length (Cummings and Mayer 1992, p. 142; 
Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 244; West et al. 2000, p. 248). The shell 
outline is elongate or ovate in males and elliptical in females, and 
moderately inflated in both sexes, but more so in females (Parmalee and 
Bogan 1998, p. 244). The valves are thick and solid. The anterior end 
is rounded in females and bluntly pointed in males (Cummings and Mayer 
1992, p. 142). Females are generally smaller than males (Parmalee and 
Bogan 1998, p. 244). Dorsally, the shell margin is straight, while the 
ventral margin is straight to slightly curved (Cummings and Mayer 1992, 
p. 142). The beaks are slightly elevated above the hingeline (West et 
al. 2000, p. 248), with sculpture consisting of double loops with some 
nodules (Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 244). No posterior ridge is 
evident. Surface texture is smooth and sub-shiny, and green, yellowish-
green, or brown in color, with numerous wavy, dark-green rays of 
various widths (sometimes obscure in older, blackened specimens) 
(Cummings and Mayer 1992, p. 142; West et al. 2000, p. 248). 
Internally, the left valve has two pseudocardinal teeth (tooth-like 
structures along the hinge line of the internal portion of the shell) 
that are triangular, relatively heavy, and large, and two short, heavy 
lateral teeth (Cummings and Mayer 1992, p. 142). The right valve has a 
low, triangular pseudocardinal tooth, with possibly smaller secondary 
teeth anteriorly and posteriorly, and a short, heavy, and somewhat 
elevated lateral tooth (Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 244). The color of 
the nacre (mother-of-pearl) is silvery white or bluish and iridescent 
posteriorly. Key characters useful for distinguishing the rayed bean 
from other mussels is its small size, thick valves, unusually heavy 
teeth for a small mussel, and color pattern (Cummings and Mayer 1992, 
p. 142).
    The snuffbox is a small- to medium-sized mussel with males reaching 
up to 2.8 in. (7.0 cm) in length (Cummings

[[Page 67553]]

and Mayer 1992, p. 162; Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 108). The maximum 
length of females is about 1.8 in (4.5 cm) (Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 
108). The shape of the shell is somewhat triangular (females), oblong, 
or ovate (males) with the valves solid, thick, and very inflated. The 
beaks are located somewhat anterior of the middle, swollen, turned 
forward and inward, and extended above the hingeline (Cummings and 
Mayer 1992, p. 162). Beak sculpture consists of three or four faint, 
double-looped bars (Cummings and Mayer 1992, p. 162; Parmalee and Bogan 
1998, p. 108). The anterior end of the shell is rounded, and the 
posterior end is truncated, highly so in females. The posterior ridge 
is prominent, being high and rounded, while the posterior slope is 
widely flattened. The posterior ridge and slope in females is covered 
with fine ridges and grooves, and the posterioventral shell edge is 
finely toothed (Cummings and Mayer 1992, p. 162). When females are 
viewed from a dorsal or ventral perspective, the convergence of the two 
valves on the posterior slope is nearly straight due to being highly 
inflated. This gives the female snuffbox a unique broadly lanceolate or 
cordate perspective when viewed at the substrate and water column 
interface (Ortmann 1919, p. 329; van der Schalie 1932, p. 104). The 
ventral margin is slightly rounded in males and nearly straight in 
females. Females have recurved denticles on the posterior shell margin 
that aid in holding host fish (Barnhart 2008, p. 1). The periostracum 
(external shell surface) is generally smooth and yellowish or 
yellowish-green in young individuals, becoming darker with age. Green 
squarish, triangular, or chevron-shaped marks cover the umbone (the 
inflated area of the shell along the dorsal margin) but become poorly 
delineated stripes with age. Internally, the left valve has two high, 
thin, triangular, emarginate pseudocardinal teeth (the front tooth 
being thinner than the back tooth) and two short, strong, slightly 
curved, and finely striated lateral teeth. The right valve has a high, 
triangular pseudocardinal tooth with a single short, erect, and heavy 
lateral tooth. The interdentum (a flattened area between the 
pseudocardinal and lateral teeth) is absent, and the beak cavity is 
wide and deep. The color of the nacre is white, often with a silvery 
luster, and a gray-blue or gray-green tinge in the beak cavity. The 
soft anatomy was described by Oesch (1984, pp. 233-234), and Williams 
et al. (2008, p. 282). Key characters useful for distinguishing the 
snuffbox from other species include its unique color pattern, shape 
(especially in females), and high degree of inflation.

Taxonomy

    The rayed bean is a member of the freshwater mussel family 
Unionidae and was originally described as Unio fabalis by Lea in 1831. 
The type locality is the Ohio River (Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 244), 
probably in the vicinity of Cincinnati, Ohio. Over the years, the rayed 
bean has been placed in the genera Unio, Margarita, Margaron, Eurynia, 
Micromya, and Lemiox. It was ultimately placed in the genus Villosa by 
Stein (1963, p. 19), where it remains today (Turgeon et al. 1998, p. 
33). We recognize Unio capillus, U. lapillus, and U. donacopsis as 
synonyms of Villosa fabalis.
    The snuffbox is a member of the freshwater mussel family Unionidae 
and was described as Truncilla triqueter (Rafinesque 1820, p. 300). The 
species name was later changed to triquetra (Simpson 1900, p. 517), 
from the Latin triquetrous meaning ``having three acute angles,'' a 
reference to the general shape of the female. The type locality is the 
Falls of the Ohio (Ohio River, Louisville, Kentucky) (Parmalee and 
Bogan 1998, p. 108). The synonymy of the snuffbox was summarized by 
Johnson (1978, pp. 248-249), Parmalee and Bogan (1998, p. 108), and Roe 
(no date, p. 3). This species has also been considered a member of the 
genera Unio, Dysnomia, Plagiola, Mya, Margarita, Margaron, and 
Epioblasma at various times since its description. The monotypic 
subgenus Truncillopsis was created for this species (Ortmann and Walker 
1922, p. 65). The genus Epioblasma was not in common usage until the 
1970s (Stansbery 1973, p. 22; Stansbery 1976, p. 48; contra Johnson 
1978, p. 248), where it currently remains (Turgeon et al. 1998, p. 34). 
Unio triqueter, U. triangularis, U. triangularis longisculus, U. 
triangularis pergibosus, U. cuneatus, and U. formosus are recognized as 
synonyms of E. triquetra. Tricorn pearly mussel is another common name 
for this species (Clarke 1981a, p. 354).

Life History

    The general biology of the rayed bean and the snuffbox are similar 
to other bivalved mollusks belonging to the family Unionidae. Adults 
are suspension-feeders, spending their entire lives partially or 
completely buried within the substrate (Murray and Leonard 1962, p. 
27). Adults feed on algae, bacteria, detritus, microscopic animals, and 
dissolved organic material (Silverman et al. 1997, p. 1859; Nichols and 
Garling 2000, p. 873; Christian et al. 2004, pp. 108-109; Strayer et 
al. 2004, pp. 430-431). Recent evidence suggests that adult mussels may 
also deposit-feed on particles in the sediment (Raikow and Hamilton 
2001, p. 520). For their first several months, juvenile mussels employ 
foot (pedal) feeding, consuming settled algae and detritus (Yeager et 
al. 1994, p. 221). Unionids have an unusual mode of reproduction. Their 
life cycle includes a brief, obligatory parasitic stage on fish. Eggs 
develop into microscopic larvae called glochidia within special gill 
chambers of the female. The female expels the mature glochidia, which 
must attach to the gills or the fins of an appropriate fish host to 
complete development. Host fish specificity varies among unionids. Some 
species appear to use a single host, while others can transform on 
several host species. Following successful infestation, glochidia 
encyst (enclose in a cyst-like structure) and drop off as newly 
transformed juveniles. For further information on freshwater mussels, 
see Gordon and Layzer (1989, pp. 1-17).
    Mussel biologists know relatively little about the specific life-
history requirements of the rayed bean and the snuffbox. Most mussels, 
including the rayed bean and snuffbox, have separate sexes. The age at 
sexual maturity, which is unknown for the rayed bean and snuffbox, is 
highly variable among and within species (0-9 years) (Haag and Staton 
2003, pp. 2122-2123), and may be sex dependent (Smith 1979, p. 382). 
Both species are thought to be long-term brooders; rayed bean females 
brood glochidia from May through October (Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 
108; Ecological Specialists, Inc. (ESI) 2000, p. 5; Woolnough 2002, p. 
23), and snuffbox brood glochidia from September to May (Ortmann 1912, 
p. 355; 1919, p. 327). The only published research identifies the 
Tippecanoe darter (Etheostoma tippecanoe) as a host fish for the rayed 
bean (White et al. 1996, p. 191). Other rayed bean hosts are thought to 
include the greenside darter (E. blennioides), rainbow darter (E. 
caeruleum), mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi), and largemouth bass 
(Micropterus salmoides) (Woolnough 2002, p. 51). Based on inference of 
closely related species, additional hosts may be suitable, including 
other darter and sculpin species (Jones 2002, pers. comm.). Juvenile 
snuffbox have successfully transformed on logperch (Percina caprodes), 
blackside darter (P. maculata), rainbow darter, Iowa darter (E. exile), 
blackspotted topminnow (Fundulus olivaceous), mottled sculpin, banded 
sculpin (C. carolinae), Ozark sculpin (C. hypselurus), largemouth

[[Page 67554]]

bass, and brook stickleback (Culaea inconstans) in laboratory tests 
(Sherman 1994, p. 17; Yeager and Saylor 1995, p. 3; Hillegass and Hove 
1997, p. 25; Barnhart et al. 1998, p. 34; Hove et al. 2000, p. 30; 
Sherman Mulcrone 2004, pp. 100-103).

Habitat Characteristics

    The rayed bean is generally known from smaller, headwater creeks, 
but occurrence records exist from larger rivers (Cummings and Mayer 
1992, p. 142; Parmalee and Bogan 1998, pp. 244). They are usually found 
in or near shoal or riffle areas, and in the shallow, wave-washed areas 
of glacial lakes, including Lake Erie (West et al. 2000, p. 253). In 
Lake Erie, the species is generally associated with islands in the 
western portion of the lake. Preferred substrates typically include 
gravel and sand. The rayed bean is oftentimes found among vegetation 
(water willow (Justicia americana) and water milfoil (Myriophyllum 
sp.)) in and adjacent to riffles and shoals (Watters 1988b, p. 15; West 
et al. 2000, p. 253). Specimens are typically buried among the roots of 
the vegetation (Parmalee and Bogan 1998, pp. 245). Adults and juveniles 
appear to produce byssal threads (thin, protein-based fibers) 
(Woolnough 2002, pp. 99-100), apparently to attach themselves to 
substrate particles.
    The snuffbox is found in small to medium-sized creeks to larger 
rivers and in lakes (Cummings and Mayer 1992, p. 162; Parmalee and 
Bogan 1998, p. 108). The species occurs in swift currents of riffles 
and shoals and wave-washed shores of lakes over gravel and sand with 
occasional cobble and boulders. Individuals generally burrow deep into 
the substrate except when spawning or attempting to attract a host 
(Parmalee and Bogan 1998, p. 108).
    Strayer (1999a, pp. 471-472) demonstrated in field trials that 
mussels in streams occur chiefly in flow refuges, or relatively stable 
areas that displayed little movement of particles during flood events. 
Flow refuges conceivably allow relatively immobile mussels to remain in 
the same general location throughout their entire lives. He thought 
that features commonly used in the past to explain the spatial 
patchiness of mussels (water depth, current speed, sediment grain size) 
were poor predictors of where mussels actually occur in streams.

Rayed Bean Historical Distribution

    The rayed bean historically occurred in 112 streams, lakes, and 
some human-made canals in 10 States: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, 
Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West 
Virginia; and Ontario, Canada. The mussel occurred in parts of the 
upper (Lake Michigan drainage) and lower Great Lakes systems, and 
throughout most of the Ohio and Tennessee River systems. During 
historical times, the rayed bean was fairly widespread and locally 
common in many Ohio River system streams based on collections made over 
a several-decade period. The species was once fairly common in the 
Belle, South Branch Thames, Detroit, Scioto, Wabash, and Duck Rivers; 
several tributaries in the Scioto system (Olentangy River, and Big 
Darby and Alum Creeks); and Tippecanoe Lake based on literature and 
museum records (Call 1900; Watters 1994, p. 105; West et al. 2000, p. 
251; Badra 2002, pers. comm.). The rayed bean was last reported from 
some streams several decades ago (North Branch Clinton, Auglaize, Ohio, 
West Fork, Beaver, Shenango, Mahoning, Mohican, Scioto, Green, Barren, 
Salamonie, White, Big Blue, Tennessee, Holston, South Fork Holston, 
Nolichucky, Clinch, North Fork Clinch, and Powell Rivers; Wolf, 
Conewango, Oil, Crooked, Pymatuning, Mill, Alum, Whetstone, Deer, Lick, 
and Richland Creeks; and Buckeye, Tippecanoe, Winona, and Pike Lakes). 
The rayed bean population in Lake Erie was once considerable (Ohio 
State University Museum of Biological Diversity (OSUM) collections), 
but has been eliminated by the zebra mussel.

Rayed Bean Current Distribution

    Extant populations of the rayed bean are known from 28 streams and 
1 lake in six States and one Canadian province: Indiana (St. Joseph 
River (stream) (Fish Creek (tributary)), Tippecanoe River (Lake 
Maxinkuckee, Sugar Creek)), Michigan (Black River (Mill Creek), Pine 
River, Belle River, Clinton River), New York (Allegheny River (Olean 
Creek, Cassadaga Creek, French Creek)), Ohio (Swan Creek, Fish Creek, 
Blanchard River, Tymochtee Creek, Walhonding River, Mill Creek, Big 
Darby Creek, Scioto Brush Creek), (Great Miami River, Little Miami 
River (East Fork Little Miami River), Stillwater River), Pennsylvania 
(Allegheny River (French Creek (Cussewago Creek))), and West Virginia 
(Elk River); and Ontario, Canada (Sydenham River, Thames River).

Rayed Bean Population Estimates and Status

    Based on historical and current data, the rayed bean has declined 
significantly rangewide and is now known from only 28 streams and 1 
lake (down from 112), a 74 percent decline (Table 1). This species has 
also been eliminated from long reaches of former habitat in hundreds of 
miles of the Maumee, Ohio, Wabash, and Tennessee Rivers and from 
numerous stream reaches and their tributaries. In addition, this 
species is no longer known from the States of Illinois, Kentucky, 
Tennessee, and Virginia. The rayed bean was also extirpated in West 
Virginia until the 2006 reintroduction into the Elk River (Clayton 
2007, pers. comm.).
    In this proposed rule, mussel shell collection records have been 
classified according to the condition of shell material. Fresh dead 
(FD) shells still have flesh attached to the valves, they may or may 
not retain a luster to their nacre, and their periostracum is non-
peeling, all indicating relatively recent death (generally less than 1 
year) (Buchanan 1980, p. 4). Relic (R) shells have lost the luster to 
their nacre, have peeling or absent periostracum, may be brittle or 
worn, and likely have been dead more than a year (Buchanan 1980, pp. 4-
5; Zanatta et al. 2002, p. 482). Generally, FD shells indicate the 
continued presence of the species at a site (Metcalf 1980, p. 4). The 
presence of R shells only, along with repeated failure to find live (L) 
animals or FD shells, likely signifies that a population is extirpated 
(Watters and Dunn 1993-94, pp. 253-254). Shells labeled R may 
originally have been reported by collectors as either weathered dead 
(or weathered dry) or subfossil. If no details on shell condition were 
provided for a record, the shell is simply referred to as dead. In this 
document, a population is considered viable if it is reproducing and 
has enough individuals to sustain the population at its current level 
for the foreseeable future.

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                               Table 1--Rayed Bean Status at Historical Locations
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                                                     Last observed  (R =
          River basin                  Stream               relic)          Current status         Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Upper Great Lakes Sub-basin....  Pigeon River......  1996 (R)             Extirpated........  ..................
Lower Great Lakes Sub-basin....  Black River.......  2001                 Unknown...........  Small and of
                                                                                               questionable
                                                                                               viability.
                                 Mill Creek........  2002                 Unknown...........  Unknown.
                                 Pine River........  2002                 Declining.........  Recruiting.
                                 Belle River.......  2003                 Unknown...........  ..................
                                 Clinton River.....  1992                 Unknown...........  Recruiting.
                                 North Fork Clinton  1933                 Extirpated........  ..................
                                  River.
                                 Sydenham River      2003                 Stable............  Recruiting.
                                  (Canada).
                                 Thames River......  2008                 Unknown...........  Unknown.
                                 Detroit River.....  1983                 Extirpated........  ..................
                                 Rouge River.......  <1914                Extirpated........
                                 Huron River.......  1931-32              Extirpated........
                                 Raisin River......  1941                 Extirpated........
                                 Macon Creek.......  1976-78 (R)          Extirpated........
                                 Maumee River......  1913                 Extirpated........
                                 Swan Creek........  2009                 Stable............  Recruiting.
                                 St. Joseph River..  1998                 Declining.........  Probably not
                                                                                               recruiting.
                                 West Branch St.     1997 (R)             Extirpated........
                                  Joseph River.
                                 Fish Creek........  2009                 Declining.........  Unknown.
                                 Cedar Creek.......  1985                 Extirpated........
                                 Feeder Canal to     1988 (R)             Extirpated........
                                  St. Joseph River.
                                 Auglaize River....  1964                 Extirpated........
                                 Ottawa River......  1998 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Blanchard River...  2009                 Unknown...........  Recruiting.
                                 Sandusky River....  1978                 Extirpated........
                                 Tymochtee Creek...  1996                 Unknown...........  Unknown.
                                 Wolf Creek........  1971 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Lake Erie.........  1977-87              Extirpated........
Ohio River system..............  Ohio River          <1960                Extirpated........
                                  mainstem.
                                 Allegheny River...  2007                 Stable............  Recruiting.
                                 Chautauqua Lake     <1919                Extirpated........
                                  outlet.
                                 Chautauqua Lake...  <1919                Extirpated........
                                 Olean Creek.......  2000                 Unknown...........  Recruiting.
                                 Cassadaga Creek...  1994                 Unknown...........  Recruiting.
                                 Conewango Creek...  ~1908                Extirpated........
                                 Oil Creek.........  <1970                Extirpated........
                                 French Creek......  2005                 Stable............  Recruiting.
                                 Cussewago Creek...  1991                 Unknown...........
                                 Crooked Creek.....  ~1908                Extirpated........
                                 West Fork River...  <1913                Extirpated........
                                 Beaver River......  ~1910                Extirpated........
                                 Shenango River....  ~1908                Extirpated........
                                 Pymatuning Creek..  ~1908                Extirpated........
                                 Mahoning River....  <1921                Extirpated........
                                 Middle Island       1980 (R)             Extirpated........
                                  Creek.
                                 Muskingum River...  1980 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Tuscarawas River..  ?                    Extirpated........
                                 Walhonding River..  1991-95              Declining.........  Probably not
                                                                                               recruiting.
                                 Mohican River.....  1969                 Extirpated........
                                 Elk River.........  2008                 Reintroduced in
                                                                           2006.
                                 Scioto River......  1964                 Extirpated........
                                 Mill Creek........  2007                 Unknown...........
                                 Alum Creek........  1970                 Extirpated........
                                 Blacklick Creek...  ?                    Extirpated........
                                 Olentangy River...  1962                 Extirpated........
                                 Whetstone Creek...  1961                 Extirpated........
                                 Big Walnut Creek..  1961                 Extirpated........
                                 Walnut Creek......  1994 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Big Darby Creek...  2008                 Declining.........  Unknown.
                                 Little Darby Creek  1990 (R) or 1986     Extirpated........
                                                      (R)
                                 Deer Creek........  1981                 Extirpated........
                                 Sugar Creek.......  <1900                Extirpated........
                                 Scioto Brush Creek  1987                 Unknown...........  Probably not
                                                                                               recruiting.
                                 Cedar Creek.......  ?                    Extirpated........
                                 Buckeye Lake......  ?                    Extirpated........
                                 Ohio and Erie       ?                    Extirpated........  ..................
                                  Canal.
                                 Great Miami River.  2009                 Unknown...........  Unknown.
                                 Little Miami River  1990-91              Unknown...........  Probably not
                                                                                               recruiting.
                                 East Fork Little    1990-91              Unknown...........
                                  Miami River.

[[Page 67556]]

 
                                 Stillwater River..  1987                 Unknown...........  Probably not
                                                                                               recruiting.
                                 South Fork Licking  1982 (R)             Extirpated........
                                  River.
                                 North Fork Elkhorn  1982 (R)             Extirpated........
                                  Creek.
                                 Eagle Creek.......  1981 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Brashears Creek...  1983 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Green River.......  1964                 Extirpated........
                                 Nolin River.......  1983 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Barren River......  <1900, ?             Extirpated........
                                 Wabash River......  1962 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Salamonie River...  1971                 Extirpated........
                                 Mississinewa River  1994 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Tippecanoe River..  1995                 Declining.........  Possibly
                                                                                               recruiting.
                                 Tippecanoe Lake...  <1920                Extirpated........
                                 Winona Lake.......  1934                 Extirpated........
                                 Pike Lake.........  1906                 Extirpated........
                                 Lake Maxinkuckee..  1997                 Declining.........  Unknown.
                                 Vermilion River...  1999 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Salt Fork           1956-57              Extirpated........
                                  Vermilion River.
                                 Middle Fork         1991                 Extirpated........
                                  Vermilion River.
                                 North Fork          1995 (R)             Extirpated........
                                  Vermilion River.
                                 Embarras River....  1956                 Extirpated........
                                 Sugar Creek.......  1998                 Unknown...........  Unknown.
                                 White River.......  <1903                Extirpated........
                                 West Fork White     1989-91 (R)          Extirpated........
                                  River.
                                 East Fork White     ?                    Extirpated........
                                  River.
                                 Big Blue River....  1944                 Extirpated........
                                 Walnut Creek......  1992 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Mill Creek........  1992 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 Fall Creek........  ?                    Extirpated........
                                 Sugar Creek.......  1950                 Extirpated........
Tennessee River system.........  Tennessee River     <1939                Extirpated........
                                  mainstem.
                                 Holston River.....  1914-15              Extirpated........
                                 North Fork Holston  1913                 Extirpated........
                                  River.
                                 South Fork Holston  1914                 Extirpated........
                                  River.
                                 Nolichucky River..  1968                 Extirpated........
                                 Lick Creek........  1967 (R)             Extirpated........
                                 First Creek.......  ?                    Extirpated........
                                 Clinch River......  1965                 Extirpated........
                                 North Fork Clinch   <1921                Extirpated........
                                  River.
                                 Powell River......  1913-15              Extirpated........
                                 Elk River.........  1965                 Extirpated........
                                 Richland Creek....  1892                 Extirpated........
                                 Duck River........  1982                 Extirpated........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upper Great Lakes Sub-Basin

    The rayed bean was not known from the upper Great Lakes sub-basin 
until 1996, when relic specimens were documented from a tributary to 
the St. Joseph River, a tributary to Lake Michigan. No extant 
populations of the rayed bean are currently known from this system.

Lower Great Lakes Sub-Basin

    Of the 112 water bodies from which the rayed bean was historically 
recorded, 27 are in the lower Great Lakes system. The species is 
thought to be extant in 12 streams, which are discussed below, but 
historically significant populations have been eliminated from Lake 
Erie and the Detroit River.
    Black River--A tributary of the St. Clair River, linking Lakes 
Huron and St. Clair, the Black River is located in southeastern 
Michigan. Hoeh and Trdan (1985, p. 115) surveyed 17 sites in the Black 
River system, including 12 mainstem sites, but failed to find the rayed 
bean. The rayed bean was not discovered there until the summer of 2001 
when a single live (L) individual was found in the lower river in the 
Port Huron State Game Area (PHSGA) (Badra 2002, pers. comm.). A survey 
in 2003 failed to find any rayed bean, and two surveys in 2005 found 
only two valves (Badra 2008, pers. comm.). An additional survey was 
performed in 2005 at six sites, but no rayed bean were found (Badra 
2008, pers. comm.). The status of this population cannot be accurately 
assessed at this time, but would appear to be small and of questionable 
viability (Butler 2002, p. 8).
    Mill Creek--Mill Creek is a tributary of the Black River, St. Clair 
County, in southeastern Michigan. The rayed bean was discovered in Mill 
Creek in August 2002. Five dead specimens were found approximately 0.5 
miles (mi) (0.8 kilometers (km)) above its confluence with the Black 
River in the PHSGA (Badra 2002, pers. comm.). A Mill Creek site 0.25 mi 
(0.4 km) from the confluence of the Black River was surveyed in 2003 
and 2004 with one rayed bean shell found during each survey (Badra 
2008, pers. comm.). Similar to the population in the Black River, the 
status of this newly discovered population cannot be accurately 
assessed at this time.

[[Page 67557]]

    Pine River--Another tributary of the St. Clair River, the Pine 
River is located in southeastern Michigan. The rayed bean was 
apparently not collected in the Pine River until 1982 when specimens 
were found at three sites (Hoeh and Trdan 1985, p. 116). These 
collections included 5 L individuals and 23 FD specimens (Badra 2002, 
pers. comm.). Hoeh and Trdan (1985, p. 116) considered it to be 
``rare,'' semi-quantitatively defined as occurring at a rate of less 
than one specimen per person-hour sampling effort. In 1997, two L 
individuals were found. The last survey in the Pine River occurred in 
2002 (Badra 2008, pers. comm.), and one L rayed bean was documented 
(Badra and Goforth 2003, p. 6). The species may have declined 
significantly since the 1980s, but is probably still viable in the Pine 
River.
    Belle River--The Belle River is a third tributary of the St. Clair 
River harboring an extant population of the rayed bean. This species 
was first collected from the Belle River in 1965, when 17 FD specimens 
were collected (OSUM 1965:0106). The same site was revisited in 1978, 
but only one FD shell is represented in OSUM 1978:0013. Since that 
time, L individuals or FD specimens have been found in 1983 and 1992, 
while only R shells were found in 1994 (Badra 2008, pers. comm.). 
During summer 2002 sampling, single L specimens were found at two new 
sites, with an additional four and two FD specimens, respectively, also 
found from these sites (Badra 2008, pers. comm.). The status of the 
population is still not well known, but appears to be small.
    Clinton River--The rayed bean was first recorded from the Clinton 
River in 1933 (Badra 2008, pers. comm.). The mussel fauna in the entire 
mainstem of the Clinton River downstream of Pontiac, Michigan, was 
apparently wiped out by pollution between 1933 and 1977 (Strayer 1980, 
p. 147). In 1992, Trdan and Hoeh (1993, p. 102) found 26 L individuals 
using a suction dredge from a bridge site slated for widening where 
Strayer (1980, p. 146) found only R shells. The rayed bean represented 
1.2 percent relative abundance of the 10 species collected at the site. 
The population is probably viable but currently restricted to about 3 
mi (4.8 km) of stream in the western suburbs of Pontiac. Its long-term 
status appears to be highly precarious.
    Sydenham River--The rayed bean in the Sydenham River represents one 
of the largest rayed bean populations remaining. West et al. (2000, pp. 
252-253) presented a highly detailed collection history of the rayed 
bean in the Sydenham River. The rayed bean is currently thought to 
exist in an approximately 75-mi (120-km) reach of the middle Sydenham, 
from the general vicinity of Napier, Ontario, downstream to Dawn Mills. 
The species appears to be most abundant in the lower half of this river 
reach. Although the range has remained relatively consistent over time, 
abundance data at repeatedly sampled sites from the 1960s to the late 
1990s indicate a general decline of the rayed bean. Based on the range 
of sizes and roughly equal number of specimens in various size classes 
of the L and FD material they gathered, West et al. (2000, p. 256) 
considered the population to be ``healthy'' and ``reproducing'' 
(recruiting). Data from sampling in 2001 shows evidence of recruitment 
and variable size classes for both sexes from most of the sites 
(Woolnough 2002, p. 50). Based on this data, the rayed bean population 
in the Sydenham River is doing considerably better than West et al. 
(2000, pp. 252-253) suggested. Woolnough and Morris (2009, p. 19) 
estimates that there are 1.5 million mature rayed bean in the Sydenham 
River living in the 38-mile (61-km) stretch between Napier Road near 
Alvinston, Ontario, and Dawn Mills, Ontario.
    Thames River--The Thames River flows west through southwestern 
Ontario. The rayed bean was historically known from only the south 
branch until 2008, when it was discovered in the north branch. In July 
2008, six gravid (full of eggs) females were collected at two north 
branch sites (Woolnough 2008, pers. comm.). In September 2008, four L 
females and two L males were collected at two different north branch 
sites (Woolnough 2008, pers. comm.). All of these individuals were 
collected within a 4.5-mi (7.2-km) reach of the river (Woolnough 2008, 
pers. comm.). Woolnough and Morris (2009, p. 19) estimates that there 
are 4,300 mature rayed bean in the Thames River.
    Maumee River System--The Maumee River system, which flows into the 
western end of Lake Erie, was once a major center of distribution of 
the rayed bean. The species was historically known from eight streams 
in the system in addition to the mainstem Maumee. Further, an 
additional population was discovered in the system in 2005 in Swan 
Creek.
    Swan Creek--Swan Creek is a tributary of the lower Maumee River in 
northwestern Ohio. This population was discovered in 2005. Surveys 
conducted in 2006 and 2007 found that the Swan Creek population is 
limited to about 3 river mi (5 river km) between river mile (RM) 18.3 
and 15.3 (Grabarkiewicz 2008, p. 11). The rayed bean was the fourth 
most abundant unionid present within the 2006-2008 sample area, 
reaching densities of eight individuals per square meter in some areas 
and comprising about 14.1 percent of the total mussel community 
(Grabarkiewicz 2008, p. 10). The rayed bean population in Swan Creek is 
viable and, although limited to a short reach, may be one of the most 
robust remaining populations.
    St. Joseph River--The St. Joseph River is one of the two major 
headwater tributaries to the Maumee, with a drainage area in 
southeastern Michigan, northwestern Ohio, and northeastern Indiana. The 
mainstem flows in a southwesterly direction to its confluence with the 
St. Mary's River to form the Maumee in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The rayed 
bean was historically known from numerous sites on the river, but now 
apparently persists only at a couple of sites in the lower St. Joseph 
River in Allen and DeKalb Counties, Indiana (Watters 1988b, p. 15; 
1998, Appendix C); a few FD specimens were found in both studies, but 
no live individuals were found. Grabarkiewicz and Crail (2008, p. 13) 
surveyed six sites on the West Branch St. Joseph River in 2007, but did 
not encounter any rayed bean.
    Fish Creek--A tributary of the St. Joseph River that begins in 
Ohio, Fish Creek flows west then south through Indiana, then eventually 
east into Ohio before joining the St. Joseph River at Edgerton. The 
rayed bean persists in Williams County, Ohio, and possibly DeKalb 
County, Indiana. Based on the appearance of 2 L individuals and FD 
shells, it inhabits the lower 10 mi (16.1 km) or less of the stream 
(Watters 1988b, p. 18; Grabarkiewicz 2009, pers. comm.). Watters 
(1988b, p. ii) considered Fish Creek to be ``the most pristine 
tributary of the St. Joseph system.'' A major diesel fuel spill from a 
ruptured pipeline in DeKalb County in 1993 resulted in a mussel kill in 
the lower portion of the stream (Sparks et al. 1999, p. 12). It is not 
known if the rayed bean was affected by the spill. Surveys in 2004 (at 
64 qualitative sites) and 2005 (at 11 quantitative sites) failed to 
detect the species (Brady et al. 2004, p. 2; 2005, p. 3). However, 
Grabarkiewicz (2009, pers. comm.) reported finding two L and three FD 
rayed bean in 2005 at the County Road 3 bridge in Ohio. In 2009, two FD 
rayed bean were found in lower Fish Creek in Ohio (personal 
observation). The viability and status of this population is uncertain 
(Fisher 2008, pers. comm.).
    Blanchard River--The Blanchard River is a tributary of the Auglaize 
River in the Maumee River system, in northwestern Ohio. First 
discovered in

[[Page 67558]]

1946, this population is one of the largest of the rayed bean 
rangewide. The rayed bean in the Blanchard River is restricted to 25-30 
river mi (40-48 river km) in the upper portion of the stream in Hardin 
and Hancock Counties upstream of Findley (Hoggarth et al. 2000, p. 22). 
Hoggarth et al. (2000, p. 23) reported the rayed bean to be the fourth 
most common species in the drainage. The population is considered to be 
viable.
    Tymochtee Creek--Tymochtee Creek is a tributary to the upper 
Sandusky River in north-central Ohio, which flows into the southwestern 
portion of Lake Erie. The rayed bean is known from three sites in a 
reach of stream in Wyandot County and was first collected in 1970. All 
collections of the rayed bean have been small, with not more than five 
FD shells found in any one collection effort. The last record is for 
1996, when a pair and three unpaired valves were collected. The 
condition of at least one of the valves indicated that the rayed bean 
is probably still extant in the stream, although no L individuals were 
observed (Athearn 2002, pers. comm.). The rayed bean status in 
Tymochtee Creek is therefore currently unknown.

Ohio River System

    The rayed bean was historically known from the Ohio River in the 
vicinity of Cincinnati, Ohio, downstream to the Illinois portion of the 
river. It undoubtedly occurred elsewhere in the upper mainstem. Few 
historical records are known (mostly circa 1900), and no recent 
collections have been made, indicating that it became extirpated there 
decades ago. It was historically known from 71 streams, canals, and 
lakes in the system, representing roughly two-thirds of its total 
range. Ortmann (1925, p. 354) considered the rayed bean to be 
``abundant in small streams'' in the Ohio River system. Currently, only 
16 streams and a lake are thought to have extant rayed bean populations 
in the system.
    Allegheny River System--Nine streams and Chautauqua Lake 
historically harbored rayed bean populations in the Allegheny River 
system. Currently, the rayed bean is found in half of these water 
bodies, but in good numbers in two streams (Allegheny River and French 
Creek) in this drainage.
    Allegheny River--The Allegheny River drains northwestern 
Pennsylvania and western New York joining the Monongahela River at 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to form the Ohio River. Ortmann (1909a, p. 
179; 1919, p. 262) was the first to report the rayed bean from the 
Allegheny. The population once stretched from Cataraugus County, New 
York, to Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Based on historical 
collections, it appears that the rayed bean is more abundant now than 
it was historically in the Allegheny River. This may indicate that the 
rayed bean population in the Allegheny has expanded in the past 100 
years. Many streams in western Pennsylvania have improved water quality 
since Ortmann's time, when he reported on the wholesale destruction of 
mussels in several streams (Ortmann 1909b, pp. 11-12). It currently 
occurs in Pennsylvania downstream of Allegheny (Kinzua) Reservoir in 
Warren County to the pool of Lock and Dam 8 in northern Armstrong 
County, a distance of over 100 river mi (161 river km) (Villella 
Bumgardner 2008, pers. comm.). The Allegheny population is viable and 
one of the most important remaining rangewide today.
    Olean Creek--Olean Creek is a tributary of the Allegheny River in 
western New York. A small population of the rayed bean is known from 
the lower portions of the stream. Strayer et al. (1991, p. 67) reported 
the rayed bean from three sites during 1987-90 sampling, although just 
one L individual was located with R shells from the other two sites. 
Only R shells were found in Olean Creek in 1994, but three L 
individuals were found in 2000, at the proposed construction site of 
the City of Olean Water Treatment Plant (ESI 2000, p. 8). Collected 
only during their quantitative sampling effort, the rayed bean 
represented a relative abundance of 11.5 percent of the seven L species 
sampled. The rayed bean age distribution of these specimens also 
indicates recent recruitment into the population (ESI 2000, p. 9). 
Relic specimens are now known from an 8-mi (13-km) reach of stream, 
with L individuals known from less than 1.5 mi (2.4 km) of the lower 
creek. The Olean Creek population appears viable, but is small and 
tenuous (Butler 2008, pers. comm.)
    Cassadaga Creek--Cassadaga Creek is a tributary of Conewango Creek 
in the Allegheny River system, in western New York. A small population 
of the rayed bean is known from a single riffle (Ross Mills) in the 
lower creek north of Jamestown. Four L specimens were found in 1994 
(Strayer 1995). Muskrat middens collected during the winter of 2002 
produced 38 FD specimens with a size range of 0.8-1.7 in (2.0-4.3 cm) 
(Clapsadl 2002, pers. comm.). Although the rayed bean is not known from 
other sites in the stream, it appears to be viable at this site. The 
highly restricted extent of the population combined with its proximity 
to roads and retail development, including a gas station close to the 
flood zone upstream, makes it extremely susceptible to a stochastic 
event (such as a toxic chemical spill).
    French Creek--French Creek is a major tributary of the middle 
Allegheny River, in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. One 
of the largest rayed bean populations known is found in much of the 
lower portions of the stream in four Pennsylvania counties (the species 
is not known from the New York portion of stream). Ortmann (1909a, p. 
188; 1919, p. 264) reported the species from two counties, Crawford and 
Vanango. Not until circa 1970 did the population become more thoroughly 
known, with museum lot sizes indicating sizable populations at several 
sites, particularly in the lower reaches of the stream. Recent 
collections indicate that population levels remain high with the rayed 
bean occurring throughout the mainstem (Villella Bumgardner 2002, pers. 
comm.; Smith and Crabtree 2005, pp. 15-17; Enviroscience 2006, p. 5).
    Cussewago Creek--Cussewago Creek is a tributary of lower French 
Creek, with its confluence at Meadville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. 
A small population was reported in 1991 from Cussewago Creek (Proch 
2001, pers. comm.). The rayed bean is thought to persist in the stream, 
but its current status is unknown.
    Walhonding River--The Walhonding River is a tributary of the upper 
Muskingum River system, in central Ohio, forming the latter River at 
its confluence with the Tuscarawas River at Coschocton. Small numbers 
of rayed bean shells are represented in OSUM collections from the 1960s 
and 1970s. During 1991-93, Hoggarth (1995-96, p. 161) discovered one L 
individual and one FD specimen at one site, while four R specimens were 
found at three other sites. A small rayed bean population is thought to 
remain in the Walhonding River; its status is unknown, but is deemed 
highly tenuous given the small population size. The population is 
probably nearing extirpation (Hoggarth 2008a, pers. comm.).
    Elk River--The Elk River is a major 181-river-mi (291-river-km) 
tributary in the lower Kanawha River system draining central West 
Virginia and flowing west to the Kanawaha River at Charleston. The 
rayed bean was extirpated in the Elk River sometime in the 1990s. In 
2006 and 2007, approximately 600 adults were reintroduced into the Elk 
River above Clendenin. In 2008, an effort was made to monitor the 
reintroduction. A 30-

[[Page 67559]]

minute search yielded two L individuals, but efforts were discontinued 
due to high water and excessive habitat disturbance caused by the 
search effort (Clayton 2008, pers. comm.). The translocated adults are 
thought to persist in the stream, but it is unknown if this new 
population is reproducing.
    Scioto River system--The Scioto River system, in central and south-
central Ohio, is a major northern tributary of the Ohio River. A 
historically large meta-population of the rayed bean occupied at least 
11 streams, the Ohio and Erie Canal, and Buckeye Lake. Sizable 
populations were noted in at least the Olentangy River, and Alum and 
Big Darby Creeks, based on OSUM collections primarily from the 1960s. A 
series of system reservoirs mostly north of Columbus reduced habitat 
and contributed to the elimination of some populations in several 
streams (Alum, Big Walnut, and Deer Creeks; Olentangy and Scioto 
Rivers). The location of the Columbus Metropolitan Area in the heart of 
the watershed has also taken a major toll on the species. The 
historical Scioto rayed bean meta-population has since been decimated 
by anthropogenic factors. Currently, remnant populations are known only 
from Mill Creek, Big Darby Creek, and Scioto Brush Creek.
    Mill Creek--Mill Creek is a tributary of the Scioto River in 
central Ohio that joins the Scioto River at the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir 
northwest of the City of Columbus. In 2004, seven FD specimens were 
found during a survey in the City of Marysville (Hoggarth 2005, p. 7). 
In 2007, Hoggarth (2007a, pp. 5-6) found two L rayed bean at the same 
site and one L individual at an additional site. No other information 
is available on the status of this population.
    Big Darby Creek--Big Darby Creek is one of the major tributaries 
draining the northwestern portion of the Scioto River system in central 
Ohio. A sizable rayed bean population was noted in Big Darby Creek from 
OSUM collections primarily from the 1960s. Watters (1994, p. 105) 
reported finding a few FD specimens in 1986, but none in 1990, and 
indicated that the rayed bean was probably extirpated from Big Darby 
Creek. In 2006, one L individual was found at the U.S. Highway 42 
bridge replacement project site (Hoggarth 2006, p. 6). This individual 
was relocated to a site upstream out of the impact zone of the bridge 
project, and nine additional L individuals were subsequently found at 
the relocation site (Hoggarth 2006, p. 6). In 2007, three L rayed bean 
were found at the relocation site (Hoggarth 2007b, p. 9). Hoggarth 
(2008b, pers. comm.) visited the same relocation site in 2008, and 
reported finding ``numerous living specimens'' of the rayed bean. The 
status of this population cannot be accurately assessed at this time, 
but would appear to be small and of questionable viability.
    Scioto Brush Creek-- Scioto Brush Creek is a small western 
tributary of the lower Scioto River in Scioto County, south-central 
Ohio. Watters (1988a, p. 45) discovered the rayed bean in this stream 
in 1987, reporting two FD and two R specimens from a site, and a R 
specimen from a second site among the 20 sites he collected. This 
population's current status is uncertain.
    Great Miami River--The Great Miami River is a major northern 
tributary of the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio that originates from 
Indian Lake in west-central Ohio and flows into the Ohio River west of 
Cincinnati. The occurrence of the rayed bean in the Great Miami River 
was discovered in August 2009, during a mussel survey for a bridge 
project in Logan County, Ohio. Only one individual was documented, a 
male approximately 7 to 8 years of age (Hoggarth 2009, pers. comm.). 
The status of this newly discovered population is not known.
    Little Miami River--The Little Miami River is a northern tributary 
of the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, flowing into the latter at the 
eastern fringe of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. Hoggarth (1992, p. 
248) surveyed over 100 sites in the entire system. He found one L 
individual at a site in Warren County and possibly a subfossil shell at 
another site, although there is contradictory data in his paper (Butler 
2002, p. 17). The latter site may have been the same as that reported 
for a pre-1863 record (Hoggarth 1992, p. 265). The rayed bean appears 
to be very rare in the Little Miami, having been found extant at only 1 
of 46 mainstem sites. Hoggarth (1992, p. 267) highlighted the ``fragile 
nature'' of the extant mussel community in the system, while noting 
that localized reaches of the Little Miami were ``severely impacted.'' 
The species status in the river is uncertain, but apparently very 
tenuous and probably headed toward extirpation (Butler 2002, p. 17).
    East Fork Little Miami River--The East Fork Little Miami River is 
an eastern tributary of the lower Little Miami River, with its 
confluence at the eastern fringe of the Cincinnati metropolitan area. 
According to OSUM records, eight FD specimens were reported from a site 
in eastern Clermont County in 1973. Hoggarth (1992, p. 265) reported 
one L, three FD, and one R rayed bean from three sites in a 7-river-mi 
(11-river-km) stretch of the stream in western Clermont and adjacent 
Brown County (including the 1973 site). Harsha Reservoir on the East 
Fork destroyed several miles of potential stream habitat for the rayed 
bean a few miles downstream of the extant population. The status of the 
rayed bean in the river is uncertain but probably of doubtful 
persistence (Butler 2002, p. 17).
    Stillwater River--The Stillwater River is a western tributary of 
the middle Great Miami River in southwestern Ohio. The rayed bean is 
known from two specimens, one FD and one R, collected in 1987 at two 
sites spanning the Miami-Montgomery County line (OSUM records). Both 
sites occur in the footprint of Englewood Reservoir (constructed circa 
1920), which serves as a retarding basin (a constructed empty lake used 
to absorb and contain flooding in periods of high rain) that is 
normally a free-flowing river except in times of flood, therefore 
continuing to provide riverine habitat that is normally destroyed by 
permanently impounded reservoirs. The rayed bean in the Stillwater 
River may be extant, but its status is currently unknown and considered 
highly imperiled.
    Tippecanoe River--The Tippecanoe River is a large northern 
tributary of the middle Wabash River in north-central Indiana. The 
first records for the rayed bean date to circa 1900 (Daniels 1903, p. 
646). Historically, this species was known from numerous sites in six 
counties in the Tippecanoe River. A total of 12 FD specimens from 5 of 
30 sites were found when sampled in 1992. The rayed bean ``is 
apparently on the decline'' in the river (ESI 1993, p. 87). The 
Tippecanoe rayed bean population was thought to be recruiting by Fisher 
(2008, pers. comm.), but appears tenuous and its long-term viability is 
questionable.
    Lake Maxinkuckee--Lake Maxinkuckee is a glacial lake in the 
headwaters of the Tippecanoe River in north-central Indiana. The rayed 
bean has been known from the lake for more than a century (Blatchley 
1901). A 1997 OSUM record included seven FD specimens collected at its 
outlet to the Tippecanoe River. Fisher (2002, pers. comm.), who made 
the 1997 OSUM collection, noted that many native mussels had zebra 
mussels attached to their valves and were apparently contributing to 
their mortality. The status of the rayed bean in Lake Maxinkuckee is 
therefore highly tenuous, and its long-term persistence questionable.
    Sugar Creek--Sugar Creek is a tributary of the East Fork White 
River, in the lower Wabash River system in south-central Indiana. A 
rayed bean population was first reported there in

[[Page 67560]]

1930. Harmon (1992, p. 33) sampled 27 mainstem and 16 tributary sites 
finding FD specimens at 3 mainstem sites and R specimens from 2 other 
sites. The sites with FD material were found in the lowermost 6 mi (9.7 
km) of stream. The status and viability of this tenuous population is 
uncertain (Fisher 2008, pers. comm.).

Tennessee River System

    Historically, the rayed bean was known from the Tennessee River and 
12 of its tributary streams. Ortmann (1924, p. 55) reported that the 
rayed bean had a ``rather irregular distribution''; however, museum 
lots show that it was fairly common in some streams (North Fork Clinch, 
Duck Rivers). The last L rayed bean records from the system, with the 
exception of the Duck River, were from the 1960s or earlier. The 
species held on in the Duck until the early 1980s. Recent intensive 
sampling in the Duck watershed has failed to locate even a R shell of 
the rayed bean (Ahlstedt et al. 2004, p. 29). Tributaries in this 
system have been extensively sampled over the past 25 years. It is 
highly probable that this species is extirpated from the entire 
Tennessee River system.
    A project was initiated in 2008 to reintroduce rayed bean into the 
Duck River by translocating over 1,000 adults from the Allegheny River 
system. Although the rayed bean was extirpated from the Duck River 
about 25 years ago, major improvements in water quality and physical 
habitat conditions have occurred in the past 15 years. In response to 
these improvements, recruitment of nearly all extant mussel species has 
been documented and suggests that reintroduction of the rayed bean 
might be successful (Anderson 2008, pers. comm.). The reintroduction 
has not yet occurred.
    The information presented in this document indicates that the rayed 
bean has experienced a significant reduction in range and most of its 
populations are disjunct, isolated, and with few exceptions, appear to 
be declining (West et al. 2000, p. 251). The extirpation of this 
species from over 80 streams and other water bodies within its 
historical range indicates that substantial population losses have 
occurred. Relatively few streams are thought to harbor sizable viable 
populations (Sydenham, Swan, Blanchard, and Allegheny Rivers, and 
French Creek). Small population size and restricted stream reaches of 
current occurrence are a real threat to the rayed bean due to the 
negative genetic aspects associated with small, geographically isolated 
populations. This can be especially true for a species, like rayed 
bean, that was historically widespread and had population connectivity 
among mainstem rivers and multiple tributaries. The current 
distribution, abundance, and trend information illustrates that the 
rayed bean is imperiled.

Snuffbox Historical Distribution

    The snuffbox historically occurred in 208 streams and lakes in 18 
States and 1 Canadian province: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, 
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New 
York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and 
Wisconsin; and Ontario. The major watersheds of historical streams and 
lakes of occurrence include the upper Great Lakes sub-basin (Lake 
Michigan drainage), lower Great Lakes sub-basin (Lakes Huron, Erie, and 
Ontario drainages), upper Mississippi River sub-basin, lower Missouri 
River system, Ohio River system, Cumberland River system, Tennessee 
River system, lower Mississippi River sub-basin, and White River 
system.

Snuffbox Current Distribution

    Extant populations of the snuffbox are known from 74 streams in 14 
States and 1 Canadian province: Alabama (Tennessee River, Paint Rock 
River, and Elk River), Arkansas (Buffalo River, Spring River, and 
Strawberry River), Illinois (Kankakee River and Embarras River), 
Indiana (Pigeon River, Salamonie River, Tippecanoe River, Sugar Creek, 
Buck Creek, Muscatatuck River, and Graham Creek), Kentucky (Tygarts 
Creek, Kinniconick Creek, Licking River, Slate Creek, Middle Fork 
Kentucky River, Red Bird River, Red River, Rolling Fork Salt River, 
Green River, and Buck Creek), Michigan (Grand River, Maple River, Pine 
River, Belle River, Clinton River, Huron Ri