When the recovery plan was written, there were only four known populations of "Lasmigona decorata". The original report stated that the populations appeared to have extremely restricted distribution and that much of the habitat in the species historic range (Catawba, Pee Dee, Saluda, and Savannah River systems) is now unsuitable for the reintroduction of the species. The recovery plan also stated that it was very important that the species were extensively enough established so the population couldn’t be completely wiped out by one major event involving their habitat.