New York State has the following rules governing the collection of freshwater mussels; other states have similar rules.
It is highly recommended that field workers contact the appropriate agencies to obtain written information on the current status and protections for individual species in each state, and on all existing restrictions on collecting. Current contact information for the appropriate state and federal agencies:
Connecticut
Wildlife Division Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 424-3011
New Jersey
Endangered and Nongame Species Program New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, NJ 08625-0400
(609) 292-9400
New York
Special License Unit New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
(518) 402-8985
Federal (regional office)
Special License Unit New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
(518) 402-8985