The bet365下载ios announced the final determination to protect the鈥Atlantic pigtoe,鈥痑 freshwater mussel native to rivers of the Atlantic seaboard,鈥痑s threatened under the Endangered Species Act鈥(ESA).鈥疶he鈥疭ervice also designated critical habitat and finalized a 4(d) rule that tailors protections.
ESA protections for the Atlantic pigtoe will help support its conservation and recovery by generating greater awareness about threats and conservation opportunities and inspiring diverse partnerships on its behalf. Primary threats to the freshwater mussel include pollution, sedimentation and dams.
Critical habitat is defined by the ESA as the鈥痵pecific geographic areas that contain features essential to the conservation of鈥痩isted鈥痵pecies and that may require special management and protection.鈥疌ritical habitat designation does not affect land ownership or establish a wildlife refuge, reserve, preserve or other conservation areas. A designation of critical habitat does not affect non-federal lands unless federal funds, permits or activities are involved.鈥
Only areas currently鈥痮ccupied鈥痓y the mussel鈥痺ithin the James, Chowan, Roanoke, Tar, Neuse, Cape Fear and Yadkin-Pee Dee river basins in Virginia and North Carolina鈥痑re designated critical habitat.鈥疉ll streams designated as critical habitat are navigable waters鈥痟eld in public trust. Ownership of the riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.
Learn more about riparian land adjacent to the designated critical habitat is a mix of private lands and conservation parcels, including easements as well as state-owned game lands and parks.鈥
A 4(d) rule is one of鈥痶he鈥痬any tools of the ESA for protecting species listed as threatened. Typically, the Service uses 4(d) rules to incentivize positive conservation actions and streamline the regulatory process for minor impacts. The鈥4(d)鈥痳ule鈥痜or the Atlantic鈥痯igtoe鈥痑llows for species restoration efforts by state wildlife agencies, surveys, and鈥痶he鈥痳elocation鈥痮f mussels鈥痯rior to stream and channel restoration鈥痑ctivities. It also鈥痗larifies the bank stabilization and forestry activities that are included under the 4(d) rule.
Diverse and reproducing freshwater mussel鈥痯opulations are indicators of healthy streams and rivers鈥痑nd safe鈥痺ater resources, which鈥痓enefit鈥痓oth people and wildlife.鈥疉s鈥痜ilter feeders,mussels remove鈥痵ediments,鈥痑lgae and pollutants from water, with鈥痠ndividual mussels鈥痜iltering鈥痵everal gallons of water per day.鈥
The Service held a public comment period when it proposed listing the Atlantic pigtoe in October 2018. A second public comment period was held for the revised proposal in September 2020. The rule finalizing the Atlantic pigtoe listing as a threatened species, designating critical habitat and special rule under section 4(d) of the ESA becomes effective on December 17, 2021.
The rule, comments and materials the Service received, as well as supporting documentation used in preparing the rule, are available for public inspection on regulations.gov; search for Docket No. bet365下载ios鈥揜4鈥揈S鈥2018-0046. Comments, materials, and documentation can be made available by contacting: bet365下载ios, Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office by writing to P.O. Box 33726 Raleigh, NC 27636-3726 or calling telephone 919-856-4520. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877鈥8339.
For more information,鈥痸isit the鈥Atlantic pigtoe species profile or contact Jennifer Archambault at jennifer_archambault@fws.gov.
Latest Press Releases
