Mollusks (snails and freshwater mussels) are often overlooked due to their small size and cryptic nature, but they have a great deal of value to humans and the environment. Freshwater mussels are important to Native American culture and their shells were historically used to make buttons until plastics become popular (Williams et al 2014). They also cycle nutrients and make them more bioavailable to other aquatic organisms, they help stabilize sediments in streams, and their empty shells provide shelter for small fish and crayfish (Williams et al 2014). All mollusks are excellent ecosystem cleaners. Freshwater mussels filter water for food, but in the process they clean the water, which benefits humans and other aquatic organisms (Williams et al 2014). Aquatic and terrestrial snails help manage levels of living and decaying plant material in aquatic and terrestrial environments (Strum et al 2006; Burke 2013). Terrestrial snails are an important food source for some birds, amphibians, and reptiles and their shells provide a good source of calcium for these animals (Burke 2013). Lastly, mollusks are considered indicator species. Declines in mollusk populations are often a sign that their environment has been disturbed in some way. Mollusks are not able to quickly run or swim away from threats (e.g., pollution, excess sedimentation), so they are often the first organisms to be negatively impacted by disturbances to the environment. Despite their value, mollusks are among the most imperiled groups of organisms in North America and are a high risk for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). They have the highest rate of extinction of any taxonomic group - 42% of the 693 recorded species extinctions since 1500 (Lydeard et al. 2004). Malacologists consider 30 Freshwater mussels to be extinct in North America since the early 1900s, and about 65% of the remaining species (about 270) are considered to be imperiled (endangered, threatened, or vulnerable; Haag and Williams 2014). Utah's two freshwater mussels, Anodonta nuttalliana/californiensis and Western Pearlshell (Margaritifera falcata), are considered vulnerable and near threatened, respectively, due to decreased watershed area occupied, decreased extent of occurrence, and reports of declining populations since 1990 (Blevins et al. 2017). The current extinction rate for freshwater mussels projects a loss of 50% of extant species within the next 80 years (Haag and Williams 2014). Johnson et al. (2013) reviewed the status of 703 aquatic snail species in the United States and Canada and found that 74% of these species are imperiled (vulnerable, threatened, endangered) or extinct. The situation is expected to be similar for terrestrial mollusks (Burke 2013). Implementing work outlined in this proposal will help proactively protect SGCN mollusk populations, which will help prevent mollusk listings under the ESA, and will also help prevent economic hardships to Utahns. To date, only one Utah mollusk is currently listed under the ESA. The Kanab Ambersnail (Endangered) has affected how the Glen Canyon Dam regulates flows in the Colorado River, which impacts people and native fishes. ESA listing of freshwater mussels could impact some fishing regulations (because freshwater mussels require fish as hosts to reproduce) and development of water resources in the northern and western parts of Utah. Many aquatic mollusks in Utah are endemics (some springsnails are only known from one spring in Utah), so the impact of a species listing would not always be widespread, but the impacts could be significant for a few private landowners (e.g., grazing practices, changes in water use). Listing of some terrestrial mollusks with limited distributions around specific types of rock could negatively impact some mining businesses. Many of the terrestrial SGCN species are found on forested mountain slopes, so listing could impact forestry practices. In general, listing of one endemic mollusk species in Utah may have a limited economic impact compared to listing other more widespread wildlife species. But mollusks are among the most imperiled group of organisms in the United States, and if all of the 45 SGCN mollusk species in Utah are federally listed, that would likely have widespread and major economic impacts to Utahns. Information about the status, distribution, threats, habitat needs, biology, and ecology of Utah mollusks is currently limited or unknown. However, recent surveys (2018-2020) by UDWR (funded by ESMF) have helped fill some of these data gaps for Utah mollusks. For example, 2019 and 2020 surveys determined that the Western Pearlshell is still extant in Beaver Creek (Summit County) and is more abundant than expected. Survey information funded through the FY19 statewide mollusk monitoring ESMF proposal (ID #23) was critical in providing information for the Species Status Assessment for three Utah springsnail species. All three springsnails were determined to be not warranted for listing under the ESA. These recent surveys and monitoring will help provide information that will allow species s-ranks to be updated, which will help biologists prioritize conservation efforts for each mollusk species. Overall, survey and monitoring efforts need to continue if we are to be successful at proactively protecting Utah mollusks and preventing species listings under the ESA. References: Blevins, E., S. Jepsen, J. Brim Box, D. Nez and J. Howard. 2017. Extinction risk of Western North American freshwater mussels: Aondonta nuttalliana, the Anodonta oregonensis/kennerlyi clade, Gonidea angulate, and Margaritifera falcata. Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation 20(2): 71-88. Burke, T. E. 2013. land Snails and Slugs of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR. Haag, W. R. and J. D. Williams. 2014. Biodiversity on the brink: an assessment of conservation strategies for North American freshwater mussels. Hydrobiologia 735: 45-60. Johnson, P. D., A. E. Bogan, K. M Brown, N. M. Burkhead, J. R. Codeiro, J. T. Gardner and others. 2013. Conservation status of freshwater gastropods of Canada and the United States. Fisheries 38(6): 247-282. Lydeard, C., R. H. Cowie, W. F. Ponder, A. E. Bogan, P. Bouchet, S. A. Clark and others. 2004. Global decline of nonmarine mollusks. BioScience 54(4):321-330. Strum, C. F., T. A. Pearce, and A. Valdes. 2006. The Mollusks: A Guide to Their Study, Collection, and Preservation. American Malacological Society, Pittsburgh, PA. Williams, J. D., R. S. Butler, G. L. Warren, and N. A. Johnson. 2014. Freshwater Mussels of Florida. The University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL.

The goal of this proposed project is to address the goal of the draft Statewide Mollusk Conservation Strategy -- to ensure the persistence of native mollusks throughout Utah, and thereby reverse or prevent the need for species listings under the ESA. To work toward this goal, the objectives of this FY22 project are to: 1) finalize surveys at historic localities that have been ongoing since 2018, 2) collect samples of mountainsnails (Oreohelix spp.) for future genetic analysis, and 3) begin conducting surveys for SH-ranked (unclear whether the species is extant) mollusks on the SGCN list. By addressing these three objectives, this FY22 project will wrap up historical mollusk surveys that have been a priority for Division of Wildlife biologists since 2018 and it will also help address objectives 2 and 4 in the draft Statewide Mollusk Conservation Strategy (conduct phylogenetic assessments for Utah mollusks and conduct surveys to fill critical data gaps identified in the 2015 Utah Wildlife Action Plan, respectively). Specific tasks to address each objective are outlined for each UDWR region below. Task 1 -- Salt Lake Office 1. Assist Northern, Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, and Southern regions with mollusk surveys and monitoring (at least 1 field day per region). Task 2 -- Central Region 1: Conduct surveys for aquatic snails in central Utah, documenting water quality conditions and potential threats. a. Survey for Coarse Ramshorn at 10 sites: Provo, Riverton Bridge, Utah Lake, Salt Lake City, Beck's Hot Springs, Alsop's Pond, City Creek Canyon, Murray, Salamander Lake, and Wood's Cross b. Survey for Wide-Lip Pondsnail at Garfield. c. Survey for Green River Pebblesnail at 2 sites: Spring Creek and Jordan River 2. Survey for terrestrial snails in central Utah to document presence, relative abundance, and potential and existing threats. a. Survey for Lyrate Moutainsnail at 4 sites: Black Rock Canyon, Big Canyon, Mill B Flat, and Skull Valley b. Survey for Rustic Ambersnail in Salt Lake City. c. Survey for Mitered Vertigo at 3 sites: Hogom Branch, Brighton, and Silver Lake d. Survey for Southern Tightcoil at Clinton's Cave. Task 3 -- Northern Region 1. Conduct surveys for aquatic snails in Northern Utah. a. Survey for Northwest Bonneville Pyrg (four sites -- springs in Box Elder County) b. Survey for Green River Pebblesnail (three sites -- Beaver Creek, Blacksmith Fork, and Strawberry Creek) c. Survey for Mountain Marshsnail (two sites -- Kimball Creek and East Canyon Creek) 2. Conduct surveys for Oreohelix sp. in Northern Utah (>175 sites). 3. Conduct surveys for bivalves in Northern Utah. a. Survey for Winged Floater - snorkel and visual surveys (four sites -- Salt Creek, Raft River, Bear River, and Big Creek) b. Survey for Western Pearlshell i. Continue surveys on Beaver Creek 1. Continue exploratory snorkel surveys (lower portion near Kamas/confluence with Weber River) 2. Conduct surveys for juvenile presence 3. Determine time frame of mussel gravidity ii. Conduct additional surveys on Kimball Creek/East Canyon Creek. 4. Participate in team conservation meetings. 5. Assist with developing monitoring regimes and strategies for future monitoring activities. 6. Preserve and identify target and non-target mollusk specimens. Task 4 -- Southern Region 1. Provide UDWR representation and assistance on Utah/ Nevada Springsnail Conservation Team. a. Lead Taxonomy/ Information Management sub-group b. Represent UDWR at Conservation Team meetings c. Implement actions identified in Springsnail Conservation Agreement and Strategy 2: Conduct surveys for mollusks in Southern Utah a. Survey for Carinate Glenwood Pyrg and Smooth Glenwood Pyrg at Glenwood and Sigurd. b. Survey for Otter Creek Pyrg in Otter Creek and tributaries c. Conduct surveys for Course Ramshorn and Utah Physa at Junction Pond d. Conduct surveys for Winged Floater on Sevier River reservoirs and Pruess Lake e. Conduct Bifid Duct Pyrg surveys at 6 sites in Millard County f. Conduct Mountain Marshsnail surveys in Beaver g. Conduct Fossaria techella surveys at Sunset Point and Mammoth Creek h. Conduct Montane Snaggletooth Surveys at Cedar Canyon and Pine Spring i. Conduct Ribbed Dagger Surveys at Asay Creek, Kings Ranch, and Cannonville. J. Conduct springsnail surveys in Bear Valley, Beaver County Task 5 -- Northeastern Region 1. Complete remaining historical site surveys not completed in FY21. 2. Conduct surveys targeting Oreohelix spp., Unnamed Fossaria spp., and Course Ramshorn. a. Conduct surveys for Oreohelix spp. on the North Slope of the Uinta Mountains and other target locations not yet identified for potential Oreohelix spp. genetics study. b. Collect and preserve samples of all mollusks encountered for future genetics work. 3. Continue region-wide mollusk distribution inventory. 4. Develop a rotational monitoring plan by drainage (HUC 10) for future mollusk surveys. 5. Participate in conservation team meetings, mollusk identification workshops, and snail taxonomy meetings. Task 6 -- Southeastern Region 1. Complete remaining historical site surveys not completed in FY21 (Green River Pebblesnail). 2. Conduct surveys targeting Oreohelix spp. a. Continue surveys on Abajo Mountains in San Juan County where unique Oreohelix (Yavapai Mountainsnail) are known to occur, and other target locations not yet identified for potential genetics study. b. Collect habitat data on all Oreohelix encountered in the field. c. Collect and preserve samples of all mollusks encountered for future genetics work. 3. Participate in conservation team meetings, mollusk identification workshops, and snail taxonomy meetings.

All of the mollusk species listed in this proposal are SGCN species included in the 2015 Utah Wildlife Action Plan, a document that provides guidance on protecting species and their habitats and managing threats to prevent the need for species listings under the ESA. Implementing this proposed project will help fill several WAP critical data gaps for SGCN mollusks: taxonomic debate, inadequate understanding of distribution or range, and inadequate inventory and assessment methods. Inadequate understanding of distribution or range is listed as a data gap for 91% of the SGCN mollusks and taxonomic debate is listed as a data gap for 13% of SGCN mollusks, though the actual number of mollusks needing taxonomic revision may actually be greater than what is listed in the 2015 WAP. Implementing this proposed project will help identify current threats to SGCN mollusks, which will help identify any immediate need to conduct mitigation measures. Historically (FY19-21), ESMF funded projects related to statewide mollusk conservation have helped determine the current population status, distribution, and threats for SGCN springsnail species. These efforts help address the goal of the Conservation Agreement and Strategy (CAS) for springsnails in Nevada and Utah -- to ensure long-term persistence of springsnails and their habitats to help prevent species listings under the ESA (see attached CAS document). This proposed ESMF project will continue to address the goal of the NV-UT springsnail CAS. A new Statewide Mollusk Conservation Strategy is currently in development and will serve as a guiding document for prioritizing conservation efforts for native mollusks in Utah. There are three general types of work that will be covered and prioritized in this Strategy: 1) work to address CAS, petitioned species, and ESA listed species conservation needs; 2) conducting surveys and monitoring for SGCN species; and 3) threat mitigation and research for imperiled mollusks. Implementing this proposed ESMF project will address survey and monitoring needs for SGCN species. Specifically, these efforts will help achieve the Strategy objectives of conducting phylogenetic studies for Utah mollusks and collecting information that will help determine more accurate species s-ranks.

Compliance for surveying or monitoring for all species within the five regions will not be applicable, as they do not require any form of compliance. The only exceptions are when surveying for the Yavapai Mountainsnail on Navajo Mountain and when conducting surveys on National Park lands, both of which require special permits.

There is still taxonomic uncertainty around many of the SGCN mollusks, and historical survey effort for most SGCN mollusks has been limited. Therefore, surveys are needed to collect specimens for genetic research, to understand the general status of mollusk populations, to identify threats, and to determine current species distributions. Surveys will be conducted spring through fall using approved methodology for terrestrial and aquatic snails and freshwater mussels (Sada 2011 and SCT 2020; see attached documents for details). The minimum information collected during surveys will include: date, surveyors, location coordinates, location description, number of individuals (live and dead) of each species, collection of voucher specimens, collection of specimens for genetic studies, survey time, survey area, a general description of the habitat, and descriptions of current and potential threats. Surveys will collect information that is more qualitative than quantitative. This approach should allow biologists to survey more sites while still collecting enough information for genetic studies, to generally understand the current population status of a species at a given location, and to identify current and potential threats to mollusks. Information from surveys will help guide future monitoring efforts.

Monitoring is not expected to occur during FY22 under this proposed ESMF project. However, past survey efforts (funded by ESMF proposals) will provide guidance on the need for future mollusk monitoring efforts. Monitoring will be needed for most springsnail species and freshwater mussel populations in the near future, but likely on a 3-5 year rotation. The Springsnail Conservation Team is developing a risk assessment tool to help prioritize monitoring efforts for springsnails based on a species' redundancy, resiliency and representation (USFWS three R's) and stressors that pose a current or potential threat. Although this tool is being developed for use by NV-UT springsnail CAS partners, it can also be used to benefit conservation for all other Utah mollusks. An effective method for monitoring springsnails has been determined for Springsnails (Tier 3 protocol; SCT 2020), but protocols for the other mollusks are currently in development. All monitoring protocols will be based on methods that have been tested and approved by malacologists, such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department's land snail survey protocol.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources partners with or is supported by: Utah Geological Survey, Utah State University, all signatories of the Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Springsnails of UT and NV, the Utah Native Mollusk Workgroup, Utah Division of Water Quality, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Monitoring is expected to be an ongoing need for mollusks due to their high susceptibility to human disturbances. With human population growth expected to nearly double in Utah by 2050, understanding the status, threats, and conservation needs of our mollusks will be critical to ensuring their persistence. Monitoring needs for some SGCN species may increase over time, but they may decrease for other SGCN species. Maintaining up-to-date species s-ranks for mollusks will help biologists understand which mollusks are most imperiled and need the most conservation efforts. The draft Statewide Mollusk Conservation Strategy will provide guidance on how to prioritize conservation efforts for SGCN mollusks over time based on s-rank and current threats.

07/01/2021

06/30/2022

2022

Mollusks are one of the most imperiled group of organisms in North America. Their taxonomy, historical and current locations, and life history traits are poorly understood. Surveys, monitoring, and threat abatement will be critical to the persistence of mollusks in Utah, and will aid in the prevention of future listings under the Endangered Species Act. The goal of this project was to prevent future petitions or listings by updating our knowledge, identifying vulnerable species or populations, and proactively identifying and implementing conservation actions. DWR Native Aquatic biologists prioritized survey needs for all native mollusk species within their regions based on: 1) a lack of current information; 2) the species had not been surveyed, evaluated, or recorded in the past 10+ years; 3) a species is listed as critically imperiled or imperiled on Nature Serve, or 4) a species exhibits a combination of these factors. Each region had specific objectives for species they prioritized for FY 2022, based on the aforementioned criteria.

SURVEYS -- DWR Native Aquatic biologists conducted surveys for 22 mollusk species across Utah between July 2021 and June 2022, and 11 (50%) of these species were detected (represented by live individuals) during the surveys. Table 1 (see attachment in the Images/Documents tab) provides details about the species that were observed alive and species that were not detected during surveys. A highlight from this FY 2022 project was confirming the presence of live Winged Floater mussels via snorkel surveys from Salt Creek WMA to Howard Slough WMA (a geographic area that spans five HUC10 boundaries). SALT LAKE OFFICE TASKS -- Kate Holcomb hosted two workshops for DWR biologists. In February 2021, Kate held a virtual workshop that focused on springsnail preservation techniques, and in April 2021, Kate hosted a mussel grubbing workshop at Minersville Reservoir. Kate has been using mollusk survey data collected from ESMF statewide mollusk survey projects since 2018 to update SGCN species s-ranks for the 2025 revision of the Utah Wildlife Action Plan. Updating mollusk species s-ranks would not be possible without survey data collected during this multi-year statewide mollusk survey project. Kate finalized the UDWR Statewide Mollusk Conservation Strategy (see attachment in the Images/Documents tab). This document is intended to support the conservation efforts of the UWAP, provide conservation guidance, identify mollusk priorities, and provide standardized protocols for surveys, monitoring, data management, and reporting. PARTCIPATION WITH CONSERVATION TEAMS -- Native Aquatic biologists and Kate were active participants in several regional mollusk conservation groups. In December 2021, the Utah Native Mollusk Workgroup met to review the past year's mollusk conservation efforts and prioritize conservation efforts for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition, the Utah Native Mollusk Workgroup (under Kate's direction) made a donation of 606 collected voucher specimens to the Utah Natural History Museum of Utah in April 2022.

This project has been conducted annually since FY 2019. Efforts have focused on determining whether SGCN mollusk species are still present at historical localities. In many cases the distribution of these species has never been fully understood, and a better understanding of their distribution will help DWR assess their redundancy, resiliency, and representation in Utah. Additionally, taxonomy is not fully clarified for many of Utah's gastropods, which complicates conservation efforts for these species.