Claytor Lake Mussel Salvage

Location of Claytor Lake State Park in Virginia

Where

Claytor Lake State Park, 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr., Dublin, VA 24084.
Water's Edge Meeting Facility

When

Nov. 4, 2023. 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to get mucky in search of mussels that may have been left high and dry on the shoreline as a result of the Claytor Lake drawdown. Volunteers will meet at 10 a.m. at two locations on the lake where, following orientation and training, they will be deployed in teams by boat, car, or on foot to salvage mussels along specified shorelines. Pre-registration is required. If you are interested in participating in the mussel salvage event, contact Laura Bullard at laurabullard54@gmail.com.

Volunteers should come prepared for mud, rocky and slippery terrain, and the weather. Numbers and in some cases species of mussels will be tallied as volunteers gently toss stranded mussels into deeper water. Salvage is expected to last approximately 3 hours. Participants volunteering for the event will be exempt from parking fees.

The Friends of Claytor Lake (FOCL) encourages salvaging stranded mussels during drawdown by gently tossing them into deeper water. To support continued drawdowns, FOCL collects data on mussel salvage efforts and drawdown use, and asks that you report your salvage activities here.

Mussel Salvage

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: No.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 540-643-2500
Email Address: ClaytorLake@dcr.virginia.gov