Restoration project seeks to protect near shore marsh and enhance fish and wildlife habitat
The Hennepin Marsh, located within the Detroit River, near Grosse Ile, Michigan will receive significant restoration starting this winter.
Through restoration of the island shoals the construction project will protect the near shore marsh and enhance fish and wildlife habitat. The overall project area includes 20+ acres of emergent wetlands that were identified by the US Geological Survey as one of the Detroit River’s most important remaining habitats for fish and wildlife.
ECT conducted feasibility studies and engineering design for the restoration. The solutions will incorporate large limestone and soft engineering methods to stabilize and lengthen two existing island shoals. This area has been eroded to a mostly underwater condition by high water, large waves, and wakes from passing watercrafts. When completed, the shoals will provide more than 1,000 linear feet of protection between the navigation channel and the marsh. Native plantings and fallen, branched trees combined with the strategically placed stone will enhance habitat for fish as well as pollinators, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The project should be substantially completed by the end of 2022.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funded this project through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It will be administered through a “Partnership” grant awarded to the Friends of the Detroit River by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
John O’Meara served as ECT Project Manager. Contact Alice Bailey for more information about this project and ECT’s habitat restoration services.
