‘Livers of the river’: Feds propose designating rivers as critical habitat for freshwater mussels

Let’s dive beneath the surface of Minnesota and Wisconsin’s rivers, where an understated hero quietly works wonders: the freshwater mussel. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a plan to protect these vital mollusks, designating nearly 4,000 miles of river as critical habitat. Known as the “livers of the river,” mussels like the sheepnose and spectaclecase play a crucial role in filtering water, offering a natural defense against pollution. This effort aims to revive their dwindling populations, underscoring their importance to both nature and our future.

Why does this matter in Minot? The Souris River is a shell of it’s former self — largely due to the actions of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. But the Corp won’t correct their past mistakes unless there is a current benefit — like helping an endangered species — and walleye do not qualify. There may be an angle for Minot to play buried in this story, has anyone seen a sheepnose mussel in the Mouse recently? Keep your eyes out, it may be worth millions!

Kirsti Marohn

MPR

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