All native mussels are protected in the State of Ohio (Section 1533.324 of the Ohio Revised Code). In addition, ten federally listed species occur in the State and are protected by the Endangered Species Act (87 Stat. 884, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Impacts to State and federally protected mussels and their habitats should be avoided and minimized to the maximum extent practicable. If impacts cannot be avoided, all streams which contain mussels or potential mussel habitat must be surveyed prior to any proposed stream disturbance.

To work with mussels in Ohio there are three levels of minimum qualifications required based on stream group and survey type. Satisfaction of a higher qualification level allows the surveyor to work at the lower levels. Work at all three levels require an Ohio Scientific Collectors Permit from the Division of Wildlife. The three levels of qualification are as follows:

• Level 1: For survey of systems which are likely to have federally listed mussels present (Group 2 and 4 streams), you must be on the USFWS approved list (link below).
• Level 2: For survey of systems which are not likely to have federally listed mussels present (Group 1 and 3 streams), you must be on the ODNR approved list (link below).
• Level 3: For reconnaissance of small systems not likely to have federally listed mussels present to determine if mussels are present (Group 1 streams), you must be on the ODNR approved list (link below).