Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance  (IWRA) and its partners, including Congressman John Dingell, announced plans for a regional water trail and a major upcoming kayaking event, Paddle by Your Refuge. 

The “Detroit Heritage River Water Trail”, a project of MAC, will be Southeast Michigan’s first regional water trail for kayaking and canoeing along the Detroit, Huron, Raisin, and Rouge Rivers. 

Paddle by Your Refuge, an event of the IWRA, was held, on September 17^, at Elizabeth Park in Trenton, Michigan and offered the public an opportunity to take kayak lessons as well as paddle along a portion of the water trail. 

The water trail, also known as a “blueway”, will be a river version of a greenway or bikeway and will offer another opportunity for residents and visitors to exercise and enjoy outdoor recreation.  The water trail will connect people to the Detroit region‘s rich history, as well as abundant natural resources and wildlife along Southeast Michigan’s world-class waterways.  The first phase of the water trail will flow along the lower Huron and Detroit Rivers and pass such major regional assets and attractions as Pointe Mouillee, Lake Erie Metropark, Humbug Marsh and Island, the developing headquarters and visitors’ center of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, and Elizabeth Park.  (Visit www.mac-web.org for more water trail details). 

Wayne County, the City of Wyandotte, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are among the partners that are making improvements and plans for establishing the Detroit Heritage River Water Trail.  These include new kayak launch sites, related signage, and other water trail improvements.  Metropolitan Affairs Coalition will serve as the “Project Champion” for the water trail and work with community partners in securing funding and implementing water trail projects.

Paddle by Your Refuge, a special event benefiting the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, will be an opportunity to introduce the public to the kayaking experience in the historic setting of Elizabeth Park and the natural beauty of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.  (See attached flyer or visit www.mac-web.org for detailed information on this paddling event, which is open to the public.)

In commenting on these developments, Congressman John Dingell stated that, “ The Detroit Heritage River Water Trail as well as the Paddle by Your Refuge event are great ways to connect people to our area’s distinctive natural and water resources, and to enjoy such wonderful attractions as the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.”