Detroit River Evening
Our 9th Annual Detroit River Evening (and first virtual version!) is planned for Wednesday, June 17 from 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm. The Detroit River Evening is a free event that highlights our coordinated efforts to improve the Detroit River and remove it from the list of Great Lakes' Areas of Concern. 
 
We will release our 2019/20 annual report and you can learn more about recent habitat projects on the river, sampling of phytoplankton and zooplankton by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the environmental quality of Detroit River wetlands. The event is free, but registration is required.
DRCC on the Afternoon Drive
Want to learn more about our fish consumption survey, our progress on the RAP so far, and how COVID has affected our cleanup? The DRCC Remedial Action Plan Coordinator was featured on CBC's radio show, the Afternoon Drive.
Thirty Five Years of Restoring Great Lakes Areas of Concern
A new journal article highlighting Great Lakes Areas of Concern has been published in the Journal for Great Lakes Research . In 1985, remedial action plan development was initiated to restore impaired beneficial uses in 42 Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs). The Detroit River was one of these Areas of Concern. A 43rd AOC was designated in 1991. AOC restoration has not been easy as it requires networks focused on gathering stakeholders, coordinating efforts, and ensuring use restoration. To date, 269.2 million dollars have been spent remediating the Canadian Detroit River AOC.

This paper outlines major AOC program achievements including the use of locally-designed ecosystem approaches, contaminated sediment remediation, habitat rehabilitation, controlling eutrophication, and advancing science. Key lessons learned include: ensure meaningful public participation; engage local leaders; establish a compelling vision; establish measurable targets; practice adaptive management; build partnerships; pursue collaborative financing; build a record of success; quantify benefits; and focus on life after delisting.
The percentage of total AOC cleanup expenditures ($22.78 billion U.S.) by remedial category, 1985–2019 (WWTPs = wastewater treatment plants; CSOs = combined sewer overflows).
Great Lakes Awareness Day
On May 4, 2020, the DRCC celebrated Great Lakes Awareness Day. The day celebrates the Great Lakes and highlights the issues they face, and how the lakes can be preserved. We’ve been working with our various partners to improve the environmental condition of the Detroit River and improve the Great Lakes. Learn more about us by visiting our website!
Celebrate this June!
June 1 to 7 2020: Canadian Environment Week
June 14 2020: Canadian Rivers Day
June 22-28 2020: National Pollinator Week
Homeschooling and the Great Lakes
Want to teach your children about the Great Lakes while homeschooling? Teaching Great Lakes Science is your source for science, technology, engineering and math! This website features a suite of lessons, activities and data sets focused on the Great Lakes. Any of these resources may be easily incorporated into formal and informal educational settings. All the lessons, activities, teacher tools and data sets are free and targeted for 4-12th grade.
2020 Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom forecast
NOAA has released their early season prediction for the harmful algal bloom in the Western Lake Erie Basin. They project that the bloom will be smaller than 2019, with a likely severity of 4 or less (7.5 was seen in 2019). Rain events are expected for the rest of May and into June, and are included in the forecast. There is still uncertainty in the projected maximum severity because of limitations in forecasting the exact location and amount of rainfall the rest of May. As they add data over the next two months, this uncertainty will decrease.
COVID-19 UPDATE
In accordance with public health guidelines, the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) offices remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we have cancelled all in person DRCC events until June 30, 2020. Should you need to reach out to the DRCC, we can be reached via e-mail or telephone (519) 982-3722.

We wish you all the best during these uncertain times. Please remember to take care of yourselves and others.

Until we meet again,

Jacqueline Serran
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup Remedial Action Plan Coordinator
Detroit River Fish Consumption Survey
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
The Detroit River and Great Lakes in the news. Here are some links to articles that may pique your interest. Click the link to read on.  
STAY CONNECTED
The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup is a partnership between government, industry, academics, as well as environmental and community organizations that work together to improve the Detroit River ecosystem through a Remedial Action Plan. Our goal is to remove the Detroit River from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern.