This project aims to revitalize the detroit river ecosystem by restoring critical coastal wetlands and shoreline complexity at lakewood east park and celeron island to directly support native great…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $8,477,465 to Friends Of Detroit River on July 1, 2026, under the Habitat Conservation program (CFDA 11.463) to restore the Detroit River ecosystem through coastal wetland and shoreline enhancement.

The project will restore critical habitat at Lakewood East Park and Celeron Island in Taylor, Michigan through December 31, 2029. Deliverables include design and construction of protective shoals, expansion of submerged aquatic vegetation, and creation of deep-water habitat features to support native Great Lakes fish species including walleye, whitefish, and sturgeon. The initiative also encompasses environmental education and outreach, data collection, monitoring and assessment, and coordination efforts designed to reduce habitat instability, increase biodiversity, and support the delisting of the Detroit River as an Area of Concern while improving long-term recreational fishing opportunities and community engagement.

Friends Of Detroit River, a tax-exempt nonprofit based in Taylor, Michigan, is the recipient. The project engages sub-recipients including the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Belle Isle Conservancy to deliver habitat restoration work.

This project aims to revitalize the detroit river ecosystem by restoring critical coastal wetlands and shoreline complexity at lakewood east park and celeron island to directly support native great lakes fish populations. By utilizing sustainable, natural habitat featuresincluding the construction of protective shoals, the expansion of submerged aquatic vegetation, and the creation of deep-water habitatsthe initiative will provide essential spawning grounds, nursery areas, and seasonal refuge for species like walleye, whitefish, and sturgeon. These enhancements at the riverine and nearshore levels are designed to reduce habitat instability and increase biodiversity, directly contributing to the delisting of the detroit river as an area of concern (AOC) while significantly improving long-term opportunities for recreational fishing and community engagement.