POWERGRAMS

4 Alabama Power biologists stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their counterparts from state and federal agencies to search for endangered mussels and fish in Big Canoe Creek north of Ashville in St. Clair County. The unusual collaborative effort unfolded after the level of Neely Henry Lake was lowered 4 feet for two weeks to allow homeowners to perform routine dock and pier maintenance. The lower lake level reduced water in tributaries, affording an easier way to inventory aquatic life in the Coosa River watershed. Agencies joining Alabama Power in the mussel and fish survey included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "This collaborative effort means everything because we can't do it alone," said Jeff Powell, an aquatic biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service. "It wouldn't happen without working with Alabama Power on this." The collection, measurement and recording of the endangered southern clubshell and triangular kidney shell mussels, and other endangered fish found in Big Canoe Creek, will help preserve the species. "All these interests come together for a common goal, and that end is to protect the species we find today," said Jeff Baker, a biologist with Alabama Power's Environmental Affairs department, who led the company's three-person team. Although the group of 10 biologists worked together, they had different goals. Alabama Power is required to sample aquatic life in the lake and tributaries as part of the relicensing of Neely Henry Dam by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. "Primarily, when we collect fish data, it tells us what's in the creek, and that applies to our mission statement to ensure the citizens of Alabama have clean drinking water," said Cal Johnson, an aquatic biologist with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. The state Conservation Department biologists locate threatened species to determine how they are faring and evaluate if enough rare and endangered mussels and fish are available to relocate to streams needing the aquatic life. The garb of the biologists provided an unusual sight as some donned wet suits and snorkels, while others were in hip-high waders and some used diving equipment. "The uniting factor of all these agencies out here is it's about the water, really, when it comes right down to it," said Michael Buntin, a biologist with the Conservation Department's Aquatic Biodiversity Center in Marion. "Without clean water, you don't have these animals. Without a well-managed system, they don't have a habitat. Without clean water, you don't have anything else that goes along with it. That's our common link here." By Gilbert Nicholson Mussel Men ENVIRONMENT Photos by Wynter Byrd BIOLOGISTS DIVE INTO EFFORT TO SURVEY AND SAVE AQUATIC LIFE State Conservation Department Biologist Buntin found a southern clubshell mussel snorkeling in Big Canoe Creek near Ashville. Alabama Power Biologist Baker (on ground) joined others looking for mussels and aquatic life during the October drawdown of Neely Henry reservoir.

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