Freshwater Mussels?

[sam8772]

Hey, I think your research is great I would be glad to help you out. Did you know that Kentucky is home to many endangered fresh water mussels. Also our state has one of the biggest freshwater mussel population. Ohh yea Kentucky's got it all when it comes to mussels. I know you are looking for whole pieces that are not broken. Would you like some from lakes creeks or the river? Do you have any sizes that are better than others? Just send me a message and we can set something up. I am going to the river tonight, don;t see why I can't pick you up some then.

[KMC]

Hello Sam,
thanks so much for the reply and the offer to help! I have absolutely no requirement for size or location. In fact the more different species big or small from as many different places the better. If you can find pairs of any species, I will be delighted. I will send you a pm too.
-Thanks again, Kevin

[JoeB]

Kevin, You've come to the right place. The Cumberland river basin is the ancestral home to nearly every specie of mussel in North America. Give me a little time, and I can hook you up with several species from 1/2 in. asian clams to 10 in washboards. You should really get to know a biologist at the KDFWR named Monte ?????? (help someone) He heads up a mussel reintroduction project on the banks of the Elkhorn in Frankfort where he is trying breed and reintroduce several endangered mussels to KY waterways where they have all but disappeared. Some have disappeared because of siltation and pollution, others because their host fish has vanished. Anyway, he knows more about mussels than anyone I've ever met before. If nobody on here can come up with his last name, you can simply call KDFWR and ask for the mussel guy, and they'll know who you are looking for. My contact info is listed in my profile on this site. Keep in tough, and I'll try to help out.

[KMC]

Hello Joe,
I definitely have come to the right place and very happy for it! Thanks so much for the information and the offer to help. I'm hitting the hay right now, but I'll definitely send you a pm tomorrow.
-Thanks again, Kevin

[KMC]

Kevin, You've come to the right place. The Cumberland river basin is the ancestral home to nearly every specie of mussel in North America. Give me a little time, and I can hook you up with several species from 1/2 in. asian clams to 10 in washboards. Keep in touch, and I'll try to help out.

Hello Joe,
I just thought I might check in to see if you have had any chance to collect some empty mussel shells? I am still very interested in anything you might find. I will send a pm as well. I hope all is well with you and the fish a biting!
-Take care, Kevin