The Detroit River is much more than a body of water dividing two countries. It is the lifeblood of our community, a crucial artery in the Great Lakes system, and a symbol of resilience and renewal.
As stewards of this remarkable resource, Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) have championed efforts to restore and protect the river through various projects funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). The Detroit River was designated a Great Lakes Area of Concern due to historical contamination and habitat loss.
Friends of the Detroit River serves as fiduciary for the Detroit River Public Advisory Council, a group of local stakeholders working to identify remedies to the river’s environmental problems.
The importance of our waterways cannot be overstated. Historically, the Detroit River served as a bustling corridor for commerce and industry, but at a significant environmental cost. Pollution, habitat destruction, and invasive species have long plagued the River, threatening its biodiversity and the quality of life for those who live along its banks. The projects, however, represent a turning point in the River’s history, aiming to undo past damage and pave the way for a healthier future.
The restoration project on Sugar Island, located at the mouth of the Detroit River, aims to combat significant shoreline erosion while enhancing fish and wildlife habitats. Owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the island serves as an important stopover for migratory birds and is part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Through hydrodynamic modeling and ecological studies, the project restored 2,700 feet of coastal shoreline, 21 acres of wetland, and 2.5 acres of upland habitat by 2024. These efforts have significant recreational and economic benefits for the region, while boosting the Great Lakes fishery, worth $7 billion annually.
Similarly, the restoration efforts at several projects on Belle Isle and Celeron Island underscore the multifaceted benefits of GLRI projects. Over 1,100 feet of shoreline and 4.6 acres of habitat have been revitalized, transforming a heavily industrialized area into a haven for wildlife, including native reptiles, birds, and fish.
Celeron Island, an essential spawning ground near Lake Erie, has seen the construction of habitat shoals that protect against erosion while creating new environments for migratory birds and aquatic life.
These projects are not merely about restoring habitats; they are about restoring a relationship between the community and the river. They provide cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and new opportunities for education, recreation, and engagement. The success of these efforts highlights the importance of continued investment in our waterways.
The Detroit River is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, governments, and organizations like us come together with a shared vision of renewal.
As we look to the future, it is crucial to remember that the health of our waterways is directly linked to the health of our communities. We want to continue engaging with the community and learn their concerns with The Detroit River moving forward. The Detroit River’s story is one of resilience, and with ongoing support and restoration efforts, it will continue to thrive as a source of life, recreation, and inspiration for generations to come.
Now is the time to take action.
The Detroit River PAC is coordinating Community Forums to help raise awareness about the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC), explain how and why the past 20 years have been spent doing habitat restoration in the region, share what the PAC is working on now (i.e. working with the public and local governments to figure out what future restoration looks like), and collect community input and feedback on needs and visions.
Three Community Forums will be hosted by Friends of the Detroit River, on behalf of the Detroit River Public Advisory Council (PAC) Subcommittee to Establish Priority Habitat Projects is scheduled on:
- Wednesday, October 2 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Congregation (9321 Rosa Parks Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206)
- Wednesday, October 16 from 6:30-7:30pm at River Rouge Civic Center (10600 W Jefferson, River Rouge, MI 48218) in the Council Chambers (Municipal Court Room).
- Thursday, October 24from 6:30-7:30pm at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (5437 W Jefferson Ave, Trenton, MI 48183)
To learn more, head to www.detroitriver.org.