There are 50 species of mussels in the state of Wisconsin. Many mussels are dying, stranded on land, due to the persistent drought.
Lisie Kitchel, a mussel biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is alarmed about the number of mussels being lost due to the state's drought conditions.
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Mussels are finding it more difficult to find water with the state's drought conditions. Local organizations, including Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway, are scouring shorelines to save the stranded creatures.
If climate change is left unchecked, the Lower Wisconsin and more than half a dozen other rivers could become breeding grounds for invasive carp within a generation.
IN PHOTOS from READERS: State parks in Wisconsin & Minnesota
Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park
Perrot State Park
Pictured is one of the beautiful views of water and greenery at Perrot State Park.
Perrot State Park
Pictured is a bridge over the water in Perrot State Park.
Great River Bluffs State Park
The Mississippi River can be viewed from above at the Great River Bluffs State Park.
Lake Wissota State Park
The sun sets over Lake Wissota near Chippewa Falls.
Lake Wissota State Park
Pictured is a pond located along the Beaver Meadow Nature Trail.
John A. Latsch State Park
John A. Latsch State Park provides a view of the Mississippi River from the top of Mount Charity.
Mill Bluff State Park
The sun sets over Mill Bluff State Park near Camp Douglas.
Mill Bluff State Park
Children play in the water at Mill Bluff State Park.
Great River Bluffs State Park
Pictured are the rolling hills that define the landscape of Great River Bluffs State Park.
John A. Latsch State Park
The Riverview Trail, which contains 592 steps, allows people to climb to the top of Mount Charity.
Great River Bluffs State Park
Great River Bluffs State Park
Governor Dodge State Park
Governor Dodge State Park
Peninsula State Park
Whitewater State Park
Whitewater State Park
Perrot State Park
Taken July 28, 2022. Trempealeau Mountain, Perrot State Park, as viewed from the north while kayaking on the Trempealeau River.
John A. Latsch State Park
Taken on July 26, 2022, from atop the bluff at John A. Latsch State Park facing northwest.
John A. Latsch State Park
Taken on July 26, 2022, from atop the bluff at John A. Latsch State Park facing southeast.
