In September 2009, Lake Sturgeon were listed as threatened for the Great Lakes – Upper St. Lawrence and Northwestern Ontario populations and as special concern for the Hudson Bay – James Bay population. There is a ban in Ontario to commercially and sport fish Lake Sturgeon. We’re seeing a comeback in the Detroit River population, and have put effort into creating habitat for the gentle river giant.
In October 2016, the Toronto Star published an article to raise awareness of the growing issue concerning Lake Sturgeon poaching and what people can do if they suspect this type of activity. For those who are out boating or hiking along waterways and notice things such as large pools of blood on the ground, heavy fishing line to pull sturgeon in or even fish tied up along the shoreline, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Read the full Toronto Star article here.
6th Annual Detroit River Evening
The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) hosted their 6th Annual Detroit River Evening on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER). The Detroit River Evening is a free, public event to highlight the coordinated efforts to improve the Detroit River and remove it from the list of Great Lakes’ Areas of Concern. Guests learned about some of the current research projects aimed at protecting, restoring and enhancing the Detroit River ecosystem!
The DRCC welcomed Peter Berry, Harbour Master of the Windsor Port Authority who gave a presentation on how industry can work in partnership with the environmental community on green projects both on the shore line and in the river. Peter has been a member of the Detroit River Canadian Clean Up for the past seven years during his term as Harbour Master. He has been active in the partnering of fish habitat and shore line restoration projects with commercial operations in addition to leading numerous shoreline and community clean ups.
Project highlights also included presentations on the Creel Survey from Richard Drouin, Lead Management Biologist, Lake Erie Management Unit, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Also Jon Gee, Manager, Great Lakes Areas of Concern, Environment and Climate Change Canada presented information about the Great Lakes Areas of Concern. Last, Tom Henderson, Chair of the Detroit River Public Advisory Council provided an update on work that is being done by the PAC.
The DRCC would like to thank all of the attendees for coming out to celebrate the Detroit River Evening as well as the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research for providing the venue!
Detroit River Evening Gallery
Event this Thursday October 13th 2016: Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, Dr. Dianne Saxe is coming to Windsor to talk about our local environment and discuss the Environmental Bill of Rights. This event takes place at Ojibway Nature Centre from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, please RSVP call 311 or toll free: 1-877-746-4311. See poster for more details.
Media Release
For Immediate Release
September 20, 2016
The Detroit River celebrates progress on World Rivers Day
Windsor – In recognition of World Rivers Day, the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) is announcing that two indicators of the Detroit River’s quality are now considered restored, and no longer impaired. “The frequency of beach closures is no different than sites outside of the Detroit River and the aesthetics of the River are improved,” explained Gina Pannunzio, the Detroit River Remedial Action Plan Assistant. “These two issues are no longer impaired due to the collaborative efforts of many partners to clean up the River.”
A public celebration of World Rivers Day and these accomplishments will take place on Saturday, September 24th 2016 at McKee Park located on the Detroit River shoreline at 3026 Sandwich Street, Windsor from 10am to 2pm. World Rivers Day is recognized in over 60 countries by millions of people each year to connect communities to their local river systems, raise awareness about issues and encourage responsibility and stewardship.
“The DRCC invites the public to come out to the Detroit River to celebrate how far we have come, learn about this tremendous resource in our backyard and do your part to protect it,” Pannunzio adds. Guests will be able to participate in a local cleanup, learn about initiatives along the River, get some hands on experience with kayak demonstrations and meet likeminded people who care about the environment. Staff from the DRCC, the Windsor Port Authority, and Windsor Adventure Inc. will be there and registration runs from 9:30am to 10:00am at the DRCC tent.
“It is truly amazing to see how much progress has taken place along the Detroit River, as we continue to work through the Remedial Action Plan. The river is a tremendous resource and we want to continue to move in the right direction with its cleanup,” said Richard Wyma, General Manager of the Essex Region Conservation Authority. “Partnerships that address environmental issues are so important to the River’s success and re-designating two beneficial use impairments is a testament to show that all of our concerted efforts are working.”
Due to intense urbanization and industrialization, the Detroit River’s ecosystem was degraded for plants, animals and humans to use. As a result, the river is designated as one of the 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOC) in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA). The DRCC implements the Remedial Action Plan (RAP) or cleanup program for the Canadian side of the Detroit River Area of Concern.
Progress is recognized by measuring re-designation of beneficial use impairments (BUIs). Beneficial use impairments stop wildlife and humans’ ability to use the water system for survival in a healthy and safe way. The RAP outlines all of the steps that need to be taken to reverse the Beneficial Use Impairment to be not ‘impaired’ and then ‘delisted’ from the Area of Concern. Once all fourteen BUIs are addressed, the waterbody will no longer sit on the Area of Concern list, and be regarded as having water quality comparable to the Great Lakes System.
For more information regarding the celebration or sign up to volunteer, please contact the DRCC at postmaster@detroitriver.ca.
About the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup
The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) is a community-based initiative launched in 1998 to cleanup, enhance, restore and sustain the Detroit River Ecosystem. Partnerships within the DRCC aim to promote and implement the cleanup plan called a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) to protect, enhance and restore the Detroit River in order to remove it from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The DRCC’s members provide leadership in identifying partnerships and funding opportunities to support and complete cleanup goals for the Detroit River.
About the Windsor Port Authority
On July 1, 1999 the Windsor Port Authority replaced the Windsor Harbour Commission and became one of eighteen independently managed Canada Port Authorities created under the new Canada Marine Act passed in 1998. The new Windsor Port Authority continues to administer federal lands within the Port and to serve as a collective spokesperson for the port users representing their interests on various municipal, provincial, and federal issues.
About Windsor Adventure Inc.
Windsor Adventure is your spot for outdoor adventure. Explore the trail and waterways with our programs, rental equipment and events. We offer the opportunity for individuals, groups, and families to experience memorable outdoor adventures. Operating out of Stop 26 Beach along Riverside Drive and Lake St Clair provides our clients with access to Peche Island, the Ganatchio Trail, the Little River Corridor and so much more. Let our experts help you enjoy the outdoors. Adventure on!
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Media Contacts
Gina Pannunzio
Detroit River RAP Assistant
519-776-5209 ext. 356
Cell: 519-982-3722
pannunzio@detroitriver.ca
McKee Park, Windsor, ON
Download a copy of the World Rivers Day Celebration Poster
Download a copy of the media release for World Rivers Day Celebration on the Detroit River
In recognition of World Rivers Day, the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup is announcing that two indicators of the Detroit River’s quality are now considered restored, and no longer impaired. The frequency of beach closures is no different than sites outside of the Detroit River and the aesthetics of the River are void of substances, questionable deposits, turbidity and or odor. These two issues are no longer impaired due to the collaborative efforts of many partners to clean up the River.
A public celebration of World Rivers Day and these accomplishments will take place on Saturday September 24th 2016 at McKee Park in Windsor, ON from 10am to 2pm. World Rivers Day is recognized in over 60 countries by millions of people each year to connect communities to their local river systems, raise awareness about issues and encourage responsibility and stewardship.
Come out to the River to celebrate how far we have come, learn about this in our backyard and do your part to protect it! Guests will be able to participate in a local cleanup, learn about initiatives along the River, get some hands on experience with kayak demonstrations and meet like minded people who care about the environment! Staff from the DRCC, the Windsor Port Authority, and Windsor Adventure Inc. will be there and registration runs from 9:30am to 10:00am at the DRCC tent.
McKee Park, Windsor, ON
