Bringing the Beauty Back
Although the time to rebuild the river was a long time coming, in 1991 Detroit began to recognize that its river needed some major positive attention. This attention grew over the years and became a Nation wide project. With all the eyes watching the river from then on, years on major tender loving care pushed the dark past away, creating a splendid landmark the city now cherishes.
Restoration of the Detroit River
After being named an Area of Concern in 1987 because of the massive amounts of pollution from the city, the beginning of the Detroit Rivers restoration project began shortly after 1991. During this time and the next few years all that happens is that a list of 104 goals and recommendations are made that would hopefully restore some of the river. While this was not much it still was small start. In 1998 things really started to change for the better for the struggling river. President of the time, Bill Clinton, designated the Detroit River an American Heritage River due to its rich history and impact on the country. Because of this major accomplishment, the city of Detroit was granted “federal assistance to restore the river for historical purposes”.
While things already seemed to be turning around for the better for Detroit cities river, another large stride for the river's health is made. From 2002 to 2005 the “Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge” was created. Because the Detroit River borders Canada and the United States it became the first wildlife refuge of North America.
Over time many of the original goals were being completed. One of the most successful acts done was the “Black Lagoon Great Lakes Legacy Acts” was completed. It “ 115,600 cubic yards of contaminated sediments are dredged. PCB, mercury, and oil and grease concentrations are greatly reduced”. While this is not the only matter taken, this helped significantly
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By 2011, so many actions for improving the health of the river had taken place that the restriction of the river being used for drinking water was removed. Also the odor and taste of the water had improved tremendously. Two years later a protected zone is built for an aquatic nursery. As well openings of other wetland and nursery habitats being opened that help fish and wildlife move through the river more easily.
All in all the last 30 years people have turned the state of the Detroit River around completely. Often wildlife can be ignored in a big city, but in Detroit's case they turned their care onto it for the good of the city, its citizens, and its wildlife. While there always can be more improvements Detroit's restoration projects is extremely successful.