From MonroeNews.com:

NEWPORT — The conservation group Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and other partners dedicated a 67-acre coastal wetland restoration at the Brancheau Unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Saturday.

Such coastal wetlands are critically important for wildlife, water quality and recreation, said Steve Dushane, assistant refuge manager.

“This restoration project is especially important in this area because we have lost more than 90 percent of our historical wetlands,” Mr. Dushane noted.

“This project has not only restored wetlands and enhanced wildlife habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife, but it has reduced nonpoint source loadings of pollutants to western Lake Erie and helped reduce the risk of flooding to local residences and businesses.”

More than 100 people attended the event. Visitors can enjoy these habitats and better appreciate their value and benefits, he said.

The project is another fine example of conservation by design, U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, said.

“First, we were able to purchase the land, and then a great group of partners led by Ducks Unlimited was able to restore it back to what nature intended,” Congressman Dingell said.

“This project embodies a great partnership among federal, state, local and private agencies and conservation groups, and I am pleased to be a part of it all.”

Rep. Dingell’s legislation established the refuge in 2001.

Other speakers at the ceremony included representatives from Monroe County and Berlin Township.

David Shefferly, state chairman for Michigan Ducks Unlimited, recognized the value of partners in effectively delivering valuable habitat. He also discussed the Michigan PRIDE (Putting Resources Into Ducks Everywhere) program and the potential for local protection and restoration.

“The reason we can dedicate properties like Brancheau is the commitment of so many partners to the task,” Mr. Shefferly said.

“Without the combined resources of all of our partners, we wouldn’t be able to enhance this productive area. We’ve really done something big here.”

Ducks Unlimited partnered with FWS, Waterfowl USA, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, Michigan Duck Hunters Association, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, DTE Energy and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council to complete the restoration. The work was completed in two phases and involved the creation of a low earthen dike, ditching and water control structures that allows FWS to emulate the natural conditions that historically existed on the site.

Read this at The Monroe Evening News.