TRENTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Gateway will have a soft opening beginning Thursday, Oct. 1.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Trenton Mayor Steven Rzeppa announced Monday the refuge, which is owned and co-managed by Wayne County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will open every Thursday through Sunday during daylight hours.
The opening includes access to on-site parking, a 700-foot fishing pier, portions of the Humbug Marsh Orange and Green Trails, Humbug Observation Deck, Monguagon Boardwalk, picnic tables, bike trails and some porta-potties.
The indoor visitor center and exterior restrooms will remain closed due to concerns over public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Opening the refuge for the public has been a long-time coming, but I’m thrilled the day is here and now the whole community can take advantage of this very special place,” Dingell said in a release. “During COVID, everyone deserves the opportunity to be a tourist in their own community. The Refuge is a critical service to the Downriver community and a place for all to appreciate the outdoors. This refuge was John’s dream and his footprints are all over. His vision is now a reality and a place to gather, learn and protect the wildlife and natural resources that make our region unique.
The Detroit River IWR is the first and only international refuge in North America. It stretches along the Detroit River and western Lake Erie shore, and focuses on conserving, protecting, and restoring habitats for 30 species of waterfowl, 117 kinds of fish and over 300 species of birds.
In July, Dingell visited the refuge before opening.
The plan for the refuge began in the early 2000s when then-Rep. John Dingell and then-Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Herb Grey worked to form a group of local, regional, state and federal agencies to establish a refuge. The process began in 2001 when then-President George W. Bush signed legislation John Dingell wrote to create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. The visitor center was named after John as a tribute to his service.
