The lack of basic information on native, freshwater mussel (Bivalvia: Unionidae) populations such as distribution, population status (e.g., abundance, size distribution), and required habitat are recognized as major barriers to implementing a Great Lakes basin-wide conservation strategy for unionids, including on National Forest lands. National Forests in the Great Lakes region represent about 5% of the land-base but little is known about unionids in these areas. This knowledge gap reflects a linked set of multifaceted challenges. First, there is a lack of clear, standardized methodology for National Forest biologists, staff, and partners to use for conducting unionid surveys on National Forests. Existing survey protocols for unionids are highly variable and at present, little guidance exists for deciding which protocol to use. Second, many existing protocols are designed for single basins or rivers. National Forests in the Great Lakes basin encompass >3.7 million acres, >7,500 km of rivers, and thousands of road-stream crossings. As such, there is a need to develop site selection guidelines that efficiently target a wide diversity of streams. The survey approach needs to cover large areas robustly but efficiently, while also providing opportunity to survey specific areas to monitor the effects of management activities in targeted areas. Third and finally, there is a need to identify how to best archive and share unionid survey data both within USDA Forest Service and to external partners and the public. Therefore, our project aim is to develop a standardized survey protocol for the National Forests in the Great Lakes basin to assess unionid assemblages. This standardization will increase knowledge-sharing among partners and agencies in ways that support monitoring, protecting, and restoring unionids, particularly within the Great Lakes Basin. Additionally, we are working in collaboration with federal, academic, and state agencies to coordinate data sharing and ensure our protocol results can be collated, curated, and archived into a searchable database and map(s). We will be pilot testing our protocol this summer (2026) on four national forests in the Great Lakes Basin. Therefore, we welcome both feedback and input at this stage in our protocol development.