Freshwater Mussel Survey of Abrams Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Blount County, TN

documented the presence of 5 freshwater mussel species in the lower reach of Abrams Creek. No state or federally-protected species were observed. Densities were generally low; however, the presence of juvenile mussels indicate that reproduction is occurring in the stream. The low overall densities are likely the result of limited habitat within the stream. The substrate of the surveyed reach of Abrams Creek is dominated by bedrock, boulder, and large cobble. These substrates are generally too course to support high densities of freshwater mussels. Small habitat patches that were dominated by sand, small gravel, and silt were observed to contain the highest densities of freshwater mussels.