In accordance with public health guidelines, the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) office remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we have cancelled all in person DRCC events until September 30, 2020. Should you need to reach out to the DRCC, we can be reached via e-mail or telephone (519) 982-3722.
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup to interview anglers fishing at the Detroit River 
Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) representatives will be out on the river over the next few months conducting in-person interviews with Detroit River anglers. We are collecting valuable information to help guide future research, education and outreach, and monitoring and remediation efforts in the Detroit River. The DRCC wants to know which fish people consume, how they consume them, and who they consume the fish with. The survey is anonymous, participation is voluntary, and it does not ask whether anglers have a license or other law or enforcement related questions. While supplies last, participants will receive a gift card for their response.

All in-person surveys will be conducted in strict accordance with public health guidelines. The interviewer will be wearing a mask, continuously washing and sanitizing their hands, and will maintain physical distancing of at least two metres at all times during the interview.

The survey is also being offered in an online format.
Energy Survey
A significant step in the battle against climate change is well underway in the Essex region, with the initiation of a Regional Energy Plan (REP). The Essex County Regional Energy Plan (REP) is being developed to better understand current energy consumption, identify opportunities for energy efficiency, help meet the community’s climate priorities, and strengthen the local economy.

Want to make a difference and contribute to the REP? Take the survey! The survey will provide insight and perspective into the importance of energy use from diverse groups across Essex County. The survey is available online and will be available for input until September 11, 2020. 
Hennepin Marsh Restoration
The Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) hosted a virtual public meeting on their upcoming Hennepin Marsh project. FDR is planning a large scale habitat project on the U.S. side of the river at Hennepin Marsh, located west of Grosse Ille. Approximately 3,700 linear feet of habitat shoals/islands will be constructed in the Detroit River along Gross Ile and native plantings will occur on a variety of the shoals. In addition, approximately 6,00 square feet of fish spawning habitat will be constructed as a result of this project. We look forward to following along as this project progresses.
Artist rendering of Hennepin Marsh project
Understanding Declining Productivity in the Offshore Regions of the Great Lakes
Shallow Lake Erie must stick to its strict diet to starve its problematic algal blooms, but the four deeper Great Lakes face a tricky dilemma balancing their nutrient needs, according to a new report by the International Joint Commission’s (IJC) Great Lakes Science Advisory Board. Understanding Declining Productivity in the Offshore Regions of the Great Lakes looks at the decline in fish populations in the offshore regions of Lakes Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Superior. In the report, the Science Advisory Board (SAB) recommends a cooperative approach to ecosystem forecasting science.

Many complex factors contribute to the observed decline in fish populations in four of the five Great Lakes. Ultimately, however, disruptions to the food web and nutrient cycle are a cause of declining offshore productivity of the fishery in every Great Lake except Erie.
Days worth mentioning
National Tree Day – September 23 2020
National Tree Day serves as a celebration for all Canadians to appreciate the great benefits that trees provide us – clean air, wildlife habitat, reducing energy demand and connecting with nature.
World Rivers Day – September 27 2020 
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world's waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world. 
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.  
Upcoming events 
Save the date for these great local events! Contact the organizers for more information and to learn more about COVID-19 precautions at the event.
Understanding Your Soil Sample Results Webinar
Tuesday, September 15, 2020, 7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
A free webinar for farmers hosted by Quinte Farm Research and Stewardship Collaborative. Learn how to interpret your laboratory soil sample results and how field management can affect them. Featuring OMAFRA's Peter Doris, Environmental Specialist, and Christine Brown, Field and Crop Sustainability Specialist.
 
To register or for more information contact Lindsay Nash at: QSCIA.farmresearch@gmail.com. The webinar link is - QFRSCWebinar
ERCA Virtual Bike Tour
September 18-28, 2020
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the 2020 Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour will be held virtually. From September 18-28, gather your social bubble of friends and family to cycle in support of the Place for Life. Whether you are touring through picturesque country roads and along historic County Road 50, or meandering the off-road nature ride on the Chrysler Canada and Cypher Systems Group Greenways, there are plenty of amazing places to ride.

Registration is free. Donations and pledges are encouraged! For more information and to register, click here.
Windsor Sportsmen’s Club Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire 61st Annual Fishing Derby 
Saturday September 19, 2020, Reaume and Dieppe Park, Windsor, ON, 8am to 11:30am 
Join members of the WSC as they host their 61st annual fishing derby! This event is open to children ages 12 and under. Participants should plan to bring their own rod and containers for the bait. Free bait will be provided by Windsor Wholesale Baits and following the derby everyone is invited to the award ceremony and a light lunch for the kids at the Windsor Sportsmen’s Club. For more information please contact Greg Rossyan at truckergreg62@gmail.com. The DRCC will be there with an informational display about the Detroit River so come say hello! 
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.