The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge was awarded four Challenge Cost Share Grants totaling $118,000 that will help build the knowledge base for the refuge management and restoration of habitats.  These four grants include:

• A Reptile and Amphibian Survey of Key Island and Marsh Habitats Within the Refuge ($8,000 from the Challenge Cost Share Program and $10,000 in match funding);
• A Mussel Survey of the Refuge Coordinated by Ecological Services Staff of the Service’s East Lansing Field Office ($15,000 from the Challenge Cost Share Program and $15,000 in match funding);
• A Grasslands Restoration Project at the Lagoona Beach Unit of DTE Energy’s Fermi 2 Power Plant ($12,000 from the Challenge Cost Share Program and $22,500 in match funding); and
• A Fishery Survey of the Refuge Undertaken by the Service’s Alpena Fishery Resources Office ($10,000 from the Challenge Cost Share Program and $25,500 in match funding).

“This funding is an outstanding example of new resources coming to our International Wildlife Refuge that helps build our knowledge base and helps restore critical habitats,” said Congressman John D. Dingell.  “This new funding would not have been possible without the International Wildlife Refuge designation and strong agency, nonprofit, and business support.”

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge was established in 2001 and now includes more than 2,100 acres.  It is North America’s only International Wildlife Refuge and a major source of community pride throughout the region.  This International Wildlife Refuge brings a significant conservation effort to a major urban doorstep.  Further, this Refuge is providing an exceptional conservation and outdoor recreational experience to six million people, helping develop the next generation of conservation stewards and sustainability entrepreneurs.