Students in Michigan State University’s senior-level course entitled, “Topics in Toxicology” learned about the mission and major programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and about the history and current status of human impacts on the Detroit River from contaminants staff of the East Lansing Field Office, February 7.

The Detroit River was used as a municipal and industrial sewer for decades and was one of the major contributors to the conditions in Lake Erie which resulted in it being declared “dead” in the 1960's. 

The Detroit River has improved tremendously since then, but still has continuing contamination problems, has suffered from huge habitat loss in the watershed, and is still a source of contaminants to Lake Erie. 

The Service is contributing to the recovery process with the establishment of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge; Service efforts to monitor and restore lake sturgeon spawning in the river; spill prevention and response activities; planning for remediation and restoration of Grassy Island; and technical assistance to state and federal remedial project managers.