Using Freshwater Mussels to Evaluate the Ecological Conditions of the Coldwater River Post-Impact

After a contractor was hired to excavate the Coldwater River in an effort to improve the drainage system of Jordan Lake in Michigan, approximately fourteen miles of the river's riparian zone was removed and its channel dredged. To assess the damage imposed on aquatic life and move forward with a plan to preserve the integrity of such species, we conducted biological assessments of various species of mussels within and downstream of the site of impact.