Cle Elum Mussel Camp: Field Training of Western N American Freshwater Mussel Visual Survey Protocol

Join staff from the Xerces Society, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WDFW, and ODFW for a 4-day training opportunity, covering western North America's native freshwater mussels and new protocols for visual mussel surveys. This event will consist of morning presentations on freshwater mussel biology and ecology and two and a half days of field-based training in conducting mussel surveys. There is no cost to attend this event, but space is limited.

Note: In order to attend the in-person field days, you must also register for and attend the virtual morning meeting on July 8th.

Free

Jul 08, 2025 09:00am PT - Jul 11, 2025 12:00pm PT

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Wenatchee, WA 98807
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In-Person Mussel Camp Registration

Virtual Meeting Registration

Intended Audience

This training is intended for biologists and land and water management or conservation professionals and is not open to the general public.

Cost

There is no cost for the training. However, pre-registration is required. Free camping is available at the field location.

When

Tuesday, July 8 through Friday, July 11, 2025

Where

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, specific location TBD

To request a reasonable accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact outreach@xerces.org.

Registration Contact

Emilie Blevins, the Xerces Society

(971) 266-3467

emilie.blevins@xerces.org

About the Xerces Society

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization that protects our world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. Xerces works throughout North America to conserve pollinators and other invertebrates, protect endangered species, and reduce pesticide use and impacts. Our staff use applied research, policy advocacy, public education and on-the-ground habitat improvement to advance meaningful, long-term conservation. Xerces is the largest invertebrate conservation organization in the world. For over 50 years, we have been champions of Earth’s most biodiverse and overlooked animals, protecting the life that sustains us. Learn more at xerces.org.

Photo Credits

Banner Photo:

Emilie Blevins / Xerces Society

Training Information

This free training is intended to provide biologists, conservation professionals, and land and water management staff with information about western North America's native species of freshwater mussels and to specifically train attendees in newly-developed guidance for conducting freshwater mussel visual surveys.

Participation in this event will help to generate new freshwater mussel population data for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Schedule

Tuesday, July 8: A virtual presentation will be provided to attendees covering biology and ecology of freshwater mussels. The group will gather at a camp site in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest that evening.

Wednesday and Thursday, July 9 and 10: Attendees will be trained in methods published in the Visual Survey Protocol Framework for Western North American Freshwater Mussels.

Friday, July 11: We will complete field surveys, discuss results with the group, and adjourn to travel home.

Notes

Capacity is limited, so please register as soon as possible! Attendees should bring camping equipment, food and water, and a clean and dry wetsuit or drysuit and snorkel and mask. Pit toilets will be available at the campsite. Attendees should be prepared for cold and hot conditions, as well as hiking on uneven terrain.

Print and bring a copy of the protocol document to the field training. Data sheets will be provided, and instructors will provide information on mussel identification in addition to survey methods. Survey methods will include wading and snorkeling, so attendees should come prepared to swim, using a wetsuit or drysuit and snorkel and mask.

Instructors

Emilie Blevins, Senior Endangered Species Conservation Biologist, Freshwater Mussel Lead, the Xerces Society
Jeff Moss, Fisheries Program Manager, Malheur National Forest
Marie Winkowski, Native Freshwater Fish and Shellfish Specialist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Michele Weaver, Fish Conservation and Permitting Specialist, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Partners

This training has been organized by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and is supported by the U.S. Forest Service, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and U.S. Bureau of Land Management.