On August 11th and 12th 2005, the Menahga Conservation Club completed their first citizen based mussel survey at the DNR Shell City Campground.  Thursday evening the group focused on learning what they could about the mussels they would be searching for on Friday. The group received training about mussels from Mike Davis, DNR Malacologist (Mussel Specialist).  Mike did an excellent job explaining about mussels and why they can be very interesting to study.  Mussel health is a concern because mussels are a good water quality indicator and can be considered much like the "canary in the coalmine".  As the Club had adopted the Shell River in 2002, one observation the group noted was that there were not as many live mussels as people remembered.

Working with the DNR, the Rivers Council of MN and the Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District, the group wanted to research why there might be a change.  The DNR had completed a mussel survey on the Shell River in 2000 through LCMR Funding but they only were able to survey a few key areas.  In working with Mike and Angie Becker-Kudelka from the Rivers Council of MN, it was discussed that maybe a citizen group could be trained to survey for mussels.  Although no current network exists in Minnesota, a citizen mussel watch group exists in Texas.  In having completed the survey this August, the Menahga Conservation Club gets the distinction of being the first citizen based group in Minnesota to accomplish a survey.

As for the survey on Friday many empty shells were found along the campsite and approximately 50 live mussels in a 45 minute, 12 person search.  One thought is that the mussels do not like the foot traffic from the campers and canoes.  This may explain why fewer were observed at the campsite.  A quick check at the bridge did result in quite a few live finds but as the Menahga Conservation Club continues to learn about the Shell River and its inhabitants, maybe answers will be found.  As a note, a special permit was needed to conduct this survey and one will be needed in any future surveys.