Monroe, Michigan returns to the river
A bridge crosses over the River Raisin while wild fowl enjoy the water. (Photo provided)
Return of wildlife
Cochran said with the return of health to the river itself, wildlife is making a comeback to the region. This includes fish such as pike, large- and smallmouth bass, muskie and bluegill as well as bald eagles, canvasback ducks, muskrat and beaver.
As a result of the river restoration, an additional 23 miles of the River Raisin has been opened for fish migration and spawning.
“It is everyone’s dream to see the day when the sturgeon make a return to the River Raisin as well, and the restoration work that has been done to date has made great strides to make that dream more of a reality.”
The evolution
With a two-century history behind it, Monroe continues to evolve and adapt like many other American Rustbelt cities.
Cochran said, “As we move from an industrial economy to a community that showcases, shares and appreciates our cultural, ecological and historical assets rather than taking them for granted, we move toward a new chapter in our history that offers a quality of life residents are looking for, whether to raise a family or age in place.”
All because of a river.
