Except in the uppermost portions of the watershed, nearly all streambank erosion problems are too severe for biotechnical measures to be practical. The basin contains several remnant high quality stream reaches supporting diverse aquatic communities. These streams are characterized by unchannelized portions that are vertically stable due to bedrock control. Floating and fishing these streams would appeal to people if they were aware of their existence. Sixty species of fish have been collected in the Grand River Basin since 1963.
Most species are generalists that are tolerant of turbid water.
Anglers fished an estimated 74,357 days on the Missouri portion of the Grand River in 1987. Management efforts will concentrate on the protection of high quality watersheds or those that can be improved with a reasonable amount of effort. Cooperative efforts with other resource agencies during the permitting process will be important to protect high quality habitat. Landowner assistance through technical assistance, cost share and education will be vital to success within high priority sub-basins. An emphasis on public awareness will be maintained throughout the basin through various media outlets, aquatic education programs and increased stream access.