VICKSBURG, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Environmental researchers working at the former paper mill property in Vicksburg have announced the discovery of the rare snuffbox mussel in the Portage Creek, a freshwater creature native to eastern North America.
The snuffbox mussel is also listed as an endangered species in both the United States and Canada.
Officials say that, prior to the research, this population of the snuffbox mussel was unknown. The finding is so rare that the entire 1,800 foot stretch of Portage Creek will be surveyed to assess the potential of improving the habitat for conservation.
Officials add that ever since the Mill at Vicksburg project was announced, leaders have been adamant in exploring all options of preserving and protecting the storied property’s unique attributes and character. However, the discovery of the snuffbox mussel is an unexpected find.
“As we’ve considered what to do with the section of Portage Creek that runs along our property, we engaged environmental experts to research the creek and advise on environmental issues we should be aware of,” chief operations officer for Paper City Development Jackie Koney said in a statement. “Very quickly in the process it was determined that this particular section of the creek is full of very rare snuffbox mussels. My team didn’t know anything about them, but the environmental scientists are pretty stoked about this, so we’re giving it the proper attention.”
Since April, Vicksburg Mill leaders have hosted a team of research scientists to survey the creek, and now the team is evaluating this situation and providing guidance on how to improve the habitat, not only for all creatures in the Creek, but also for the conservation of the snuffbox mussel.
Once the environmental survey is completed, researchers and Mill leaders will discuss the next course of action, which could include seeking state or federal grant money to help with restoration of the creek to improve the habitat.
We’re not entirely sure what’s going to come of all this, but, as we try to do in everything at the Mill, we’ll consider what is best for the mussels and that stretch of Portage Creek,” Koney said.
More information about the snuffbox mussel can be found at this link.
