Moving mussels a key step to make way for Grand River rapid restoration

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — After 15 years of planning and delays, work is about to begin in Grand Rapids that may signal the rapids could be restored to the Grand River.

The whitewater rapids, which the city was named for, went away in the late 1800s and early 1900s after dams were put in place.

State and federal regulators struck down a plan last year that would have brought back the rapids. The city and the Grand Rapids Whitewater project went back to the drawing board and decided on a new plan that would still create fast-moving parts of the river.

The city announced Thursday afternoon that divers will soon start relocating the native mussel population in the river. It’s a critical step before construction can begin. It’s made possible by a $1.26 million grant from a biological consulting firm and a $7 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The mussels will be moved either downstream or upstream between Grand Rapids and Ada, Grand Rapids Whitewater Executive Director Matt Chapman said.

Crews plan to restore the rapids to the lower reach of the river from 300 feet upstream of Bridge Street down to Fulton Street. They will remove four dams and put rocks and boulders in the river.

Advocates argue the rapids will boost tourism, allow for recreation like casual whitewater paddling, tubing and floating and also spur development along the river.

“I think this is going to be transformational,” Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss said. “I know we use that word a lot, but this truly is.”

They also say getting rid of the dams and putting rocks and boulders inside will make for better fishing.

“Rocks and boulders are habitat for fish and mussels,” Chapman from Grand Rapids Whitewater said. “The more of that we can put back, the better opportunities we have for fish and mussels to spawn, to grow and thrive.”

Chapman added that removing the dams and installing new structures aimed to regulate the water speed will also help fish go through the river.

Livingston County resident Jake Challiss has been fishing since he was a kid. His dad told him to come to Grand Rapids Thursday morning to fish on the Grand River for the first time. Challiss said he would be excited to come back and fish with the restored rapids.

“I think it’s a good idea for fishermen to come back here,” Challiss said. “I think it’d be a great addition for salmon fishing, trout fishing… I’d love to come out here.”

Moving the mussels is expected to wrap up by October. State and federal regulators must still approve project permits. If that happens, construction in the water is expected to begin by next July. Chapman said the rapids could be flowing by next December if the weather cooperates, but it could take longer if there’s flooding.

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