Channel Alterations and Habitat Problems Channelization not only
includes straightening the stream, but also bank clearing, and
widening of the channel. This results in a loss of total stream
area and usable habitat, increased streambank and streambed
erosion, and a homogenous habitat that supports far less aquatic
life. While most of the North Fabius River has been channelized,
the Middle and South Fabius rivers remain largely unaltered. The
North Fabius River has been completely channelized upstream of
Monticello, Missouri, resulting in ongoing, severe headcutting
in upper reaches of the watershed. The South Fabius River has an
8.5-mile channelized reach downstream from Newark, Missouri. The
Middle Fabius River has no extensive channelized reaches. Each
of these streams has several very short channelized sections
usually associated with bridge crossings. Small sections of
several tributary streams have been altered also, usually by
private landowners and local governments. Durgens Creek was once
a tributary