Project Goals and Objectives: Restore natural shoreline by removing invasive species, reintroducing native plants and restoring fish habitat
Project Description: The River Rouge Power Plant sits on the Detroit River shoreline in the middle of one of the region’s most industrial areas. In 2007, Detroit Edison staff and partners removed 850 cubic yards of concrete riprap, rebar, and gravel along 61 meters (200 feet) of the shoreline. They reshaped the shoreline, installed erosion control fabric, and added native plants – both on the shore and in the water – to create habitat for fish and other wildlife species and to create a buffer to manage storm water runoff.
Cost: $30,000
Timeframe: 2007-2008
Partners: Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, City of River Rouge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan Sea Grant, Wildlife Habitat Council, Wayne County, and Friends of the Detroit River
Ecological Effectiveness: Before restoration shoreline was dominated by broken concrete, Phragmites and Reed Canary Grass. After restoration 61 native species were present, including swamp rose mallow, cupplant, Michigan holly, and yellow coneflower.
Restoration Contact: Metropolitan Affairs Coalition
Monitoring Contact: Nativescape LLC