Comment Period NOW OPEN for BUI #3 (Fish Populations) and BUI #5 Public Consultation | |
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The DRCC is looking to redesignate two BUI's and we want your input!
We are still accepting comments on the proposed changes to beneficial use impairments (BUIs) #3 and #5. If you want your say in these important river issues, we encourage you to comment using the links below.
We are proposing to change the status for the fish components of BUI #3: degradation of fish and wildlife populations from 'impaired' to ‘not impaired’, and BUI #5: bird or animal deformities or reproductive problems from 'impaired' to ‘not impaired’. You can find more information on these proposed changes by checking out our website. Comments can be submitted by clicking here. The submission will remain open until December 4, 2023.
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The Endangered Species Act Turns 50! | |
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the endangered species act in the USA. The implementation of this law has brought many species back to Michigan, including bald eagles, osprey, peregrine falcons, and lake sturgeon. In the early 1900’s these species thrived across Michigan, but with the spike in use of DDT and PCBs following World War II, their numbers began to dwindle. This started to change when in 1973 the endangered species act was signed into law.
The most remarkable recovery is with the bald eagle where nesting pairs grew from 417 in 1963 to over 71,000 in 2020. Similar trends were seen in osprey, peregrine falcons, and lake sturgeon. Check out the story below to learn more about how these species have made a comeback in Detroit.
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How a Unique Hobby Combines Treasure Hunting and Cleanups in the Detroit River | |
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The Detroit River is home to many treasures, historical artifacts, and various pieces of junk. In Windsor there are a group of people who have taken up magnet fishing to help retrieve these items.
Magnet fishing is a hobby that became more popular during the pandemic where people cast strong magnets into the water to see what they can pull up. Rick Longhurst is a magnet fisher in Windsor and over the last few years he has pulled up a variety of items. Some of his most interesting finds include railway ties, a skateboard, knives, and a handgun (which was handed over to Windsor Police). Glen Miller is another magnet fisher who fishes along the Detroit River. He has found some scrap metal and die cast toys from the 1950s.
The one major rule that all magnet fishers follow is to leave the river better than it was. They never throw trash or junk back into the water. This works out great because there are many pieces of junk in the river harming our ecosystem such as batteries and tires. If you want to find out more about magnet fishing you can check out the whole story here.
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River History: Memorial in Detroit Marks the 48th Year Since the Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald | |
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Adapted from: Memorial held on 48th anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald’s shipwreck in Metro Detroit
"In a musty old hall in Detroit they prayed in the Maritime Sailors’ Cathedral the church bell chimed 'til it rang twenty-nine times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald…”
On November 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald tragically sank while carrying 26,000 tons of taconite ore pellets from Superior, Wisconsin to Zug Island in Detroit. The disaster took the lives of all 29 crew members who were on board. The sinking of this ship is considered to be one of the greatest mysteries of the Great Lakes, as it remains unknown how the ship sunk to this day.
The tragic tale of this ship was made famous by a ballad written by Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot the following year. Lightfoot’s passing on May 1, 2023, made this year’s memorial services for the ship even more significant. Memorial services were held all over the Great Lakes, from the ships would be destination in Detroit, to the shores of Lake Superior, where it sank. You can read more about the memorial service by clicking here. For more information on the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald please visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum by clicking the button below.
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Attention Rural Landowners: Now is a Great Time to Setup Spring Tree Planting and Restoration Projects | | |
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The Essex Region Conservation Authority offers a spring planting program for landowners with at least 1 acre of land who are looking to plant 500 trees. Grants are available for this program, making it a great way to reforest parts of your land for a low cost. If 500 trees are too many for you, there are other planting programs available as well. Site visits for these programs and for other restorations are going on now. If you are interested in this or think you may qualify, please email pgiroux@erca.org. | |
Windsor Airport Lands Rezoning Continues to Protect 3 Provincially Significant Wetlands | |
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There's potential for new development for the nearly 200 hectares of land surrounding Windsor International Airport. The city council's development committee recently redesignated this area, opening it up to industrial and business development. The land, which is made up of empty fields and 3 woodlots, sits between 8th and 9th Concession along County Rd 42. The three woodlots on the land are considered provincially significant wetlands and are designated as natural heritage. The city will continue to protect these areas even under the zoning amendment. You can read the full story by clicking the button below.
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Has the Detroit River Ever Caught Fire? | |
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River fires were not an uncommon sight in the late 60’s in the rust belt. Lack of regulations led to high amounts of pollution and dumping. Major waterways such as the Chicago River, Buffalo River, and Cuyahoga River have all caught fire in the past. The Cuyahoga River, which flows into Lake Erie from Ohio, was described as oozing instead of flowing and caught fire more than a dozen times from 1968 to 1970. It was actually the Cuyahoga River fire in 1969 that led to the creation of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, after much public outcry.
But that still doesn’t answer the question if the Detroit River has ever caught fire. Surprisingly, it hasn’t. The lore surrounding the Detroit River and its reputation of being incredibly polluted have led many to believe that at some point the river caught fire. The River Rouge, however, has caught on fire before. In October 1969, the mouth of the River Rouge caught fire where it flows into the Detroit River, after a worker near the river dropped a torch in it. This fire was unable to be extinguished by spraying water on it and it just had to burn itself out with time. If you want to read more about the interesting history of river fires check out the full story here!
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World Toilet Day: November 19
Have you ever wondered what happens to water and other substances when they are flushed down our drains and toilets? It shouldn't be a mystery, and the City of Windsor and the DRCC partnered to create a wastewater video to help de-mystify the topic, and educate viewers.
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World Fisheries Day: November 21
World Fisheries Day is dedicated to highlighting the critical importance of healthy ecosystems and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world. The Detroit River has one of the most vibrant and diverse fisheries in the Great Lakes!
Groups such as the Windsor Sportsmen and Essex Region Conservation help encourage the safe enjoyment and protection of this world class fishery and unique ecological area. The Detroit River is important to our community, and in many ways, defines our way of life.
Watch the video
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Christmas at Heritage Village
Weekends from November 17 to December 23, 2023, 5pm to 9pm, 6155 Arner Townline, Kingsville, ON
Come out to the Heritage Village in Essex Fridays and Saturdays this winter to experience their historic Christmas event. Attendees can enjoy stories with Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa, make s'mores, go to elf school, and visit the Grinch in jail. For more information check out the event website here.
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12 Barns of Christmas and Holiday Makers Market
December 3, 2023, 11am to 4pm, John R. Park Homestead, 915 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
Visit the John R. Park Homestead this weekend for their 12 barns of Christmas scavenger hunt, local makers market, and exhibit from their museum collection. Registration is required in advance so be sure to check out their website here.
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Windsor Santa Claus Parade
December 2, 2023, 6pm, Ouellette Ave and Riverside Dr, Windsor, ON
The Windsor Santa Claus Parade has returned back downtown. This is the parades 55th anniversary. Be sure to check out the event website to find out the parade route and where to park. More info for this event can be found by clicking here.
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Willistead Manor Holiday Tours
Select Sundays from 1pm to 4pm and Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm, Willistead Manor, 1899 Niagara St, Windsor, ON
Visit one of Windsor's most historic homes this winter and learn about some local history. The City of Windsor is offering tours of the iconic Willistead Manor in the Walkerville neighborhood. Tickets for the event can be purchased on arrival at the Coach House. Please check out the event website here for more details.
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16th Annual Lighted Tractor Parade in Harrow
December 3, 2023, 4pm, Viewpoint Estate Winery, 151 County Rd 50, Harrow, ON
Come and see a parade of lit up tractors, Santa, and fire trucks in Harrow. You can watch the parade from your car or from the sidelines. The event is free to attend and there's a ticketed buffet meal to follow. Please check out the event website here for more info.
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Essex BIA Santa Claus Parade
December 9, 2023, 6:30pm Talbot St, Downtown Essex, Essex, ON
Come out and see Santa Claus and watch the parade filled with marching bands, Christmas lights, and unique parade floats. For more information please check out the website here.
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Santa's Village and Market in Essex
December 9, 2023, 2:00pm to 9:00pm, Heritage Gardens Park, 87 Station St, Essex, ON
Join us for a delightful holiday experience at the 2nd Annual Santa’s Village & Market, a family-friendly event open to all ages. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of Christmas in the beautiful downtown of Essex Centre, in the middle of Essex County. Check out the event website here for more info.
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Dark Sky Nights at Point Pelee National Park
December 16, Point Pelee National Park Visitor Centre, 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON
Explore the park after dark and get a chance to view stars in a way you haven't seen before. The park will be open until midnight on November 18 for you to get a chance to view the skies at Windsor-Essex's only dark sky preserve. Visitors can pick up a seasonal star chart upon arrival. For more information please contact us at pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or check out the event website here.
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Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island Holiday Guide
For more information on holiday events around Windsor Essex be sure to check out the event guide linked here.
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If you have an upcoming local event that you want The Current readers to know about please send us an email at postmaster@detroitriver.ca | |
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.
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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. |
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