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Detroit River
International
Wildlife Refuge
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 Refuge Overview: The first of its kind in North America, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge was established in 2001 with Public Law 107-91. The refuge is located along an 18-mile stretch of the Lower Detroit River in Michigan and Canada, ranging from Zug Island to the southern boundary of Sterling State Park in Monroe County, Michigan. Nearly 700 acres of what will some day be a 12,827 acre refuge have already been purchased using Migratory Bird Conservation Funds, a portion of which are Federal Duck Stamp dollars. The most recent (June 2004) aquisition for the refuge was the 410-acre Humbug Marsh tract, the last undeveloped segment along the Detroit River. William Vinge/USFWS |
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| Wildlife and
Habitat: Detroit River International Wildlife
Refuge encompasses a wide range of habitats, including coastal
wetlands, marshes, shoals, and river-front lands. Also included
in the refuge are three islands, Mud Island, Calf Island, and
Grassy Island, which were formerly known as the Wyandotte National
Wildlife Refuge. The area is recognized by the Canada-United
States North American Waterfowl Management Plan as a key migration
corridor and will provide a sanctuary for 29 species of waterfowl,
65 kinds of fish, and 300 species of migratory birds. In particular,
the refuge is critical for diving ducks (primarily canvas backs
and scaup), over 300,000 of which feed in the refuge’s
beds of water celery every year during their migration. |
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Recreation Opportunities: At
this time, due mostly to a lack of staff and the newness of the refuge,
public access is not allowed. In the near future, though, portions
of the refuge will be opened to seasonal waterfowl hunting, and a
visitor’s center is planned at the refuge’s gateway.
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Additional Resources
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