Buffalo Creek Crayfish Survey
In the fall of 2017, Decota Consulting Company, Inc. conducted a crayfish, habitat, and water chemistry survey on Buffalo Creek of the Guyandotte River, associated with the proposed North Fork Winifrede Contour Mine, on behalf of Greenbrier Minerals, LLC. Crayfish surveys were conducted at 10 locations to determine the presence or absence of the endangered Guyandotte Crayfish (Cambarus veteranus). The sampling plan was prepared by Decota and pre-approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR). The assessed reach of Buffalo Creek was found to have an abundance of potential habitat suitable for C. veteranus. The best available habitats were identified, assessed, and surveyed thoroughly for the presence of C. veteranus. No individuals were found, nor was any evidence of a population located.
