A multi-spatial analysis and the balanced requirements of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) and urban inhabitants in the Cuyahoga River watershed

Water quality in the Cuyahoga River, a national heritage river of United States, has improved greatly since infamous fire 1969, but much watershed faces combined demands state scenic valued for nature and primary water source surrounding cities. A comparative analysis mussel abundance was applied to test success between improvements assemblages two similarly sized sub-watersheds, upper reaches River an isolated tributary stream, Tinkers Creek. Multivariate GIS/remote sensing tools government data resources were contrast variation lands use, soil types, potential impacts from impoundments. Mussel populations declined Upper 1990 present, while Creek West Branch both areas surrounded by residential lands, species changed slow associated with flowing streams. Major structural differences among these stream included regulated flow reservoirs consequentially poor drainage type extensive enhanced dynamics produced well-draining soils. Thus, appeared sustained despite trend towards more human use where flowed free.