August 2013
THE CURRENT
A monthly newsletter to keep you informed about the Detroit River.

Message from the Coordinator
Are you curious about the name of our newsletter? Well, "The Current" was the name of the DRCC's paper newsletter that used to be mailed out and distributed at local events. In an effort to reduce waste and get news out quicker, we switched to an electronic version in 2005.

As always, we love to hear from you. If you have any upcoming events, questions, or feedback, please email [email protected]

Natalie Green, M.Sc.
Detroit River Remedial Action Plan Coordinator

What a view!
Aerial view of Belle Isle 2013
Aerial view of Belle Isle on the Detroit River by Detroit Riverkeeper, Bob Burns.
The City of Windsor is on the left and the City of Detroit on the right.

2013 Boat Tour a Success
Ship on the Detroit River 2013
Ship on the Detroit River during 2013 Boat Tour.
The Citizens' Environment Alliance with support from the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup hosted another successful State of the Detroit River boat tour on July 13th, 2013. One hundred and thirty people attended the four-hour tour to learn more about the current environmental status of the river, while enjoying a day on the water. Read more here

Want to see more photos of the tour? Click here
Proposed Cut to Great Lakes Restoration Funding Stopped
Great Lakes RegionFunding for the U.S. Great Lakes Restoration Initiative re-instated! A U.S. bill had been approved to cut funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) by 80%!
However, on Aug. 3, an Appropriations Committee agreed to provide $210 million for the program that aids in the restoration and enhancement of the Great Lakes. Great news! 
 
The GLRI has been integral in completing several restoration projects on the U.S. side of the Detroit River and helped speed up remediation of two American Areas of Concern (AOCs).  See related articles in the news section below. 
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
The Detroit River in the news....here are some relevant, external links to news articles that may pique your interest. Click on the link to read on.
Petcoke cloud from storm July 27 13
Petcoke cloud from storm July 27 13
Upcoming Events
Save the date for these great local events! Please ensure you contact the organizer for more information.

ART CART TOURS

Throughout the Summer

Foot of Ouellette Ave. & Riverside Dr., Windsor

 

Hop on board the Windsor Sculpture Park's Art Cart for a tour of the beautiful riverfront parks and Sculpture Garden. The Art Cart is and electric golf cart, which can hold 5 people. Tours run on a first-come-first-served basis. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For schedule details and information: 519-253-1812, or http://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/Culture/Windsor-Sculpture-Park/Art-Cart-Tours/Pages/Art-Cart-Tours.aspx

BLUEBERRY SOCIAL & LOST ARTS FESTIVAL
Sunday, August 11: 12 noon to 4 pm
John R. Park Homestead C.A., Harrow

Celebrate summer with a visit to the lakeshore. See demonstrations of lost arts and learn tips from the experts on becoming more self-sustaining. Visit the reenactors camp and learn about life in an earlier time.  Meet the Homestead gardeners and learn about pollinators, plants and seed saving too!  Stay for the day and enjoy blueberry desserts, live music and games for children. Pick your own at Klassen's Blueberries just east of the Homestead. Admission: $6 adults, $4 children (3-16), Family Maximum: $20 For more information, contact the Homestead: 519-738-2029, or: [email protected] 

A DAY OF CONSERVATION IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Saturday, August 17: tour of projects at 1 pm; agreement signing 4:30 pm

Dusseau Tract, 2850 Dean Road, Erie, Michigan

 

On August 17, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will sign a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperative management of over 13,000 acres of lands in the spirit and intent of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.  This signing ceremony will take place at 4:30 PM at the Dusseau Tract (adjacent address for GPS purposes: 2850 Dean Road, Erie, MI 48133).  Also announced by Essex Region Conservation Authority will be Canadian lands managed under the Western Lake Erie Watersheds Priority Natural Area in the spirit and intent of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.  This will be a historic event in conservation history.  We hope you can attend.

 

Earlier that day, Ducks Unlimited will sponsor a tour of conservation projects in the area beginning at 1 PM (leaving Erie Township Hall, 2065 Erie Road, Erie, MI 48133; RSVP with Amanda Tew at  [email protected] or 734.623.2000) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Ducks Unlimited will host a dedication of the Dusseau Tract beginning at 4 PM.   


LAKE ST. CLAIR WATER QUALITY INFORMATION SESSION

Wednesday, August 21: 4 pm - 8 pm

MacRay's Harbor, Harrison Township, Michigan

 

Interested in Lake St. Clair water quality? You are invited to join the NOAA Center of Excellence for Great Lakes and Human Health at MacRay's Harbor (30675 N River Rd. Harrison Twp, MI 48045) to learn about NOAA's beach water quality work in Lake St. Clair and the Clinton River. 

 

An overview of beach water quality program will be provided along with a showcase featuring their interactive website, and the development of a predictive tool and to present findings thus far. There will also be an opportunity to have an open discussion on water quality issues that are important in Lake St. Clair.

 

Please RSVP to [email protected] by August 12. For more information: (734) 741-2283

NECTAR FESTIVAL 

Saturday, August 24: 9 am - noon

Ojibway Nature Centre

 

Learn about the sweet lives of hummingbirds, butterflies and other nectar lovers. Watch hummingbird banding and learn tips on how to attract these jewels to your yard. Banding will start around 9 am and displays, activities and treats will run all morning. Call 519-966-5852 for more details.

HAWK RUN 

Sunday, August 25: all day

Holiday Beach Conservation Area, Amherstburg

 

Participate in a 5K walk or run at the beautiful Holiday Beach Conservation Area. Held in partnership with WRACE. Preregister at www.onlineregistrations.ca/hawkrun. For more information: 519-776-5209. 

CODE GREEN EXPO 

Wednesday, August 28: 1pm - 7pm

250 Windsor Parking Lot, Caesars Windsor

 

Join Caesars Windsor at their first Code Green Expo promoting sustainability, energy conservation and buying local. See the 'Big Green Bus', learn about sustainability and connect with local environmental organizations. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

FDR FALL DINNER CRUISE
Thursday, September 5: 6 pm to 9 pm
Bishop Park, Wyandotte, Michigan

The Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) are hosting its annual Fall Dinner Cruise on the Detroit River. Tickets are $50 each or $90 per couple. Click here for more information or call 734-288-3889.

DISCOVER PECHE ISLAND TOUR
Saturday, September 28: see details below
Lakeview Park Marina, 9200 Riverside Drive East, Windsor

Want to visit this City-owned island park on the Detroit River but don't own a boat? This is your opportunity to explore and learn about this gem on the River! The DRCC's partnership organizations offer free boat rides across the Detroit River to spend a day exploring the island. You can join a guided tour or explore the trails on your own. Boats to the island begin boarding at 10 am until 12:30 pm. Return trips only from 1 pm to 3 pm. More details to follow.

Due to current water levels, participants must be able to climb up a 4-step vertical ladder. Event may be cancelled due to inclement weather conditions.

Volunteers needed! Contact Karen Cedar if you would like to volunteer your time to help out during the event.
Job Postings
Job postings graphic These postings are for jobs at various locations with varying deadlines. Please click on the job title to view job details. Contact the listed agency in the job ad for more information.Note: the links will expire after the deadline has passed.    
  • Geophysicist - Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (Sudbury, ON)
    Deadline: August 16, 2013

  • Executive Director - Haliburton Land Trust (Haliburton, ON)
    Deadline: August 16, 2013 

  • Research Scientist - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Winnipeg, MB)
    Deadline: Until Filled 

  • Biologist - MMM Group (Thornhill, ON)
    Deadline: not specified

  • Aquatic Biologist - MMM Group (Kitchener, ON)
    Deadline: not specified