The Detroit River / Detroit River Recovery
Posted by: 
Jagman714
N 42° 06.981 W 083° 11.444
17T E 318895 N 4665017
This Michigan Marker is located on W. Jefferson, Trenton, MI.
Waymark Code: WM4K0E
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 09/01/2008
Views: 67
Side 1:
The Detroit River
People have long been drawn to the Detroit River for settlement and Commerce. Archaeological evidence suggest Native Americans lived along the river as early as A.D.750. French exploration and the growth of Detroit during the 18th century led to exploitation of the river's resources, including Lake Whitefish, Sturgeon, and other species; it's use for transporting commercial goods; and, during the 19th century, the production of power for industry. By the early 1900's raw sewage pollution resulted in Typhoid fever and Cholera outbreaks. A massive duck kill caused by oil during the winter of 1948 led to protests by conservation and Sportsmen's groups and ultimately tougher state water pollution laws.
Side 2:
Detroit River Recovery
Despite state anti-pollution laws passed in 1948, by the 1960's phosphorus fouled the Detroit River and nearby Lake Erie. Faced with declining fish populations and unhealthy waters. Michigan set strict limits on phosphates in laundry detergent. The 1970 discovery of industrial mercury in the river encouraged passage of the U.S.~ Canada Great Lakes Water Quality agreement, both signed in 1972. Pollution control and prevention measures resulted in incresed repoduction among Stugeon and Whitefish in the Dertoit River and the return of Peregrine Falcons and Bald Eagles along it's banks. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, created in 2001, was a milestone in the River's rcovery.
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