OGL AOC Note: Detroit River's story opens to a new chapter with restoration

Detroit River returning to life through investments in restoration

Stony Island project latest in work to revitalize urban river system

The Detroit River has a long story, and it’s on its way to opening a new chapter. 

The Detroit River served as the region’s earliest highway system— first, Native Americans traded along its banks, and later the river shipped the steel that built America. Through history, development and use of the river left environmental impacts including habitat loss and contamination. 

Now, a new storyline for the river is beginning. A multitude of local, state, and federal organizations are collaborating to restore the river, and the investments are making a difference. Projects to dredge contaminated sediments, restore habitat, and replace historic rock reefs are underway.  

A star example of this work is the Stony Island Restoration project. The island is a verdant hub of life in the river. Partners are acting to shelter the island from freighter turbulence and recreate habitat by adding native plants and woody structures. 

The project is not even complete, and beavers have already constructed a lodge on the island. An active heron rookery of more than 150 nests and an eagle nest have also been observed. These signs show that restoration is working. Experts say that the finished project will assist in returning populations of sturgeon, rare terns, mudpuppies, and other wildlife.  

Investments in the Detroit riverfront have served as a catalyst for sustainable economic development along the waterfront and throughout the city. The river is one of the busiest waterways in the world, with millions of visitors and residents enjoying the renewed waterfront as a center for job opportunities, recreation, and community.

An August celebration highlighted progress in changing the river’s story with boat tours of the Stony Island project, addresses by legislators, and an event at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. 

The Detroit River was designated as a federal Area of Concern due to environmental impacts under the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The Detroit River restoration is part of an effort by federal, state, and local partners including the Michigan Office of the Great Lakes. Visit www.michigan.gov/aocprogram or contact AOC Coordinator Melanie Foose at foosem@michigan.gov to learn more.

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