(WFRV) – As historic floodwaters in some areas throughout Wisconsin are receding, DNR officials say one of the most important and overlooked river residents could be in trouble.
According to a release from the Wisconsin DNR, as the rivers recede and floodwaters exit, especially in northeast Wisconsin, thousands of native mussels are being left stranded on sandbars and along shorelands.
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Without any help, that leaves the mussels vulnerable, as if they cannot make it back to the water, they could face drying out and predators.
DNR officials are asking the public to help out with this issue, as anyone who comes across stranded mussels while fishing or any other water activities can just gently pick the mussels up and toss them into a nearby permanent body of water, preferably the deeper parts of a river.
The DNR reports that in Clintonville, volunteers have already returned thousands of mussels to the Pigeon River over the course of the last few days.
Every little bit makes a difference. If you’re out exploring, fishing or just enjoying the river, keep an eye out and lend a hand.
The Wisconsin DNR
Anyone who spots a large number of stranded mussels is asked to report them to the Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program. To submit a report or learn more information, click here.
