From Cleanup of the Detroit River to Revitalization of the Waterfront

Session: Education, Outreach, and Citizen Science in Our Great Lakes: Engaging the Community (1)

John Hartig, University of Windsor, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, [email protected]

Abstract

During the 1960s the Detroit River was one of the most polluted rivers in North America.  Over 40 years of pollution prevention and control have led to the return of bald eagles, peregrine falcons, osprey, lake sturgeon, lake whitefish, walleye, wild celery, mayflies, and even beaver, representing one of the most remarkable ecological recovery stories in North America.  Like many other large North American cities, the Motor City made the Detroit River its back door, with businesses facing inland and away from the river.  Compounding the problem, Detroit became indifferent to the water pollution that was perceived as just part of the cost of doing business.  As a result, Detroit residents lost connection to their river.  Today, as a result of river cleanup and growing interest in reconnecting to it, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is building the 5.5-mile Detroit RiverWalk as a beautiful, exciting, safe, accessible world-class gathering place for all. In the first ten years, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy raised $163 million to build 3.4 miles of the RiverWalk, returning $1 billion of economic benefits.  Nearly three million annual visitors are now using it.