Congressman John D. Dingell

Washington, D.C. - President George W. Bush today signed into law H.R. 1230, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act, legislation authored by Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI) that creates an International Wildlife Refuge along the Detroit River. The 18-mile refuge will stretch from Zug Island in Detroit to Sterling State Park in Monroe, and will be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for public recreation, wildlife observation, hunting and fishing. The legislation is unique in that it establishes the first-ever International refuge in the United States.

"This is an historic Day for Downriver and Monroe," said Dingell. "The International Wildlife Refuge is now law, and we will shortly begin to see parks, recreation facilities and wildlife areas flourish alongside thriving industry on the lower Detroit River. The river, the shoreline and the islands will benefit, but most importantly the communities along the river will have the opportunity to showcase the waterfront, which is such a tremendous asset in attracting residents, businesses and visitors."

The process of creating the International Wildlife Refuge was a collaborative one, on both sides of the river. "Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Herb Gray and Member of Parliament Susan Whelan also deserve great credit. Their help and hard work has been instrumental in moving this project forward -- it has been a collaborative partnership from the beginning, and I will always be grateful to have worked with such honorable and dedicated public servants from Canada's Downriver region," said Dingell. "Senator Levin and Senator Stabenow deserve particular accolades for their efforts in the United States Senate. Without their efforts I doubt that we would have a refuge."

Like many rivers located in industrial centers around the Great Lakes, the Detroit River has suffered the consequences of prolonged periods of unsound environmental practices. It has lost over 95 percent of its coastal wetland habitats, and despite the importance of such lands, habitats continue to be destroyed and degraded. "There is a great urgency to protect our few remaining high quality wetlands before they are lost to further development and to rehabilitate and enhance degraded ones," said Dingell. "This is essential to sustain the quality of life enjoyed by so many living along the Detroit River corridor."

The International Wildlife Refuge accomplishes these aims by encouraging private landowners to sell or donate their holdings to the refuge, grant conservation easements on property while retaining ownership or enter into cooperative management agreements with the Fish and Wildlife Service. It is important to note that the Act protects private property rights and it does not authorize the taking of any land unless the owner of the property is a willing seller or donor.

Recreational activity is a priority public use of the refuge. "It's a big win for conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts and the residents of Downriver and Monroe. Indeed, the seven million ducks and geese that migrate through the area annually will be particularly grateful," added Dingell.

Rep. Dingell, an avid duck hunter and longtime advocate for the rights of sportsmen, specifically protected hunting and fishing in the Act. Dingell noted that: "As a lifelong waterfowler and someone who has hunted ducks and geese on the lower Detroit River for many years, the implementing legislation affirms the rights of sportsmen in the strongest possible terms."

The underlying legislation creating the International Refuge was drafted after consulting with local officials, businesses, the state of Michigan, civic, environmental and conservation organizations. "This legislation has demonstrated that by working as a team, federal, state and local officials in the United States and Canada, can work with businesses, conservationists and citizens to create something special to improve the quality of life for everyone," noted Dingell.

View Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Website