FEDERALLY ENDANGERED MUSSEL TO BE RELEASED IN
BIG DARBY CREEK
Mussel species only known to occur in two Ohio waterways

Columbus, OH – Nearly 1,500 endangered northern riffleshell mussels will be released into the Big Darby Creek on Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the Cedar Ridge area of Battelle-Darby Metro Park.

The mussels were each marked with a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag so that their movement throughout the river can be tracked

Cooperators on this project include the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Ohio State University, Franklin County Metro Parks, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

The northern riffleshell mussel is a state and federal endangered species.  In Ohio, this species is found in only two rivers, the Big Darby Creek and Fish Creek in Williams County.  1,700 of these mussels were previously released in the Big Darby Creek in July 2008.

Funding for this and other endangered species conservation efforts is derived from the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund.  Contributions may be made by the purchase of a cardinal license plate, the purchase of the new Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, the state income tax check off, and direct donations.  For more information on how to help, check the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s web site at www.wildohio.com.  

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