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Detroit River
International Wildlife Refuge		 male lesser scaup with water behind and cattails to the right

Detroit Area, MI   
E-mail: detroitriver@fws.gov
Phone Number: 734/692 7608
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://midwest.fws.gov/detroitriver		 Diving ducks such as lesser scaup prepare for migration at Detroit River Refuge.
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  Overview
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
On December 21, 2001, President Bush signed legislation establishing the first International Wildlife Refuge in North America. The refuge, which includes islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals, and riverfront lands along 18 miles of the Lower Detroit River, will protect and restore habitat for 29 species of waterfowl, 65 kinds of fish, and 300 species of migratory birds along the river in Michigan and Canada.

Business interests are playing a key role in supporting the creation of the International Wildlife Refuge. The Service owns four islands within the refuge. The refuge is managed by staff at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, in Oak Harbor, Ohio.


Getting There . . .
Not Applicable.

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Wildlife and Habitat
The lower Detroit River is designated as an Important Bird Area that is globally significant as a site for congregating waterfowl. More than three million waterfowl are estimated to migrate through the Great Lakes area annually.

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History
Established on December 21, 2001, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is the first international refuge in North America. The refuge establishing act redesignated islands that were once part of Wyandotte National Wildlife Refuge - Grassy Island, Mud Island and Mamajuda Island - as part of the new international refuge.

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    Recreation and Education Opportunities
Environmental Education
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Managment Activities

Resource values are maintained by natural processes. The refuge is monitored to ensure that these values have not been compromised. Recently the Service and the US Geological Survey (USGS) have conducted soil sample studies to determine the extent of the contaminants found and the possibility of these contaminants' seeping out of the containment dikes into the surface and/or groundwater. Also, vegetative/contaminant studies of wild celery tuber found within the refuge waters are being conducted by the Service and USGS. Due to contamination, Grassy Island has been designated by the Department of the Interior as a hazardous materials site.