At Sterling State Park, Michigan DNR is re-creating approximately 18 acres of emergent and submergent Great Lakes marsh and 32 acres of lakeplain prairie.  A second project involves repairing dikes and installing water control for 310 acres of marsh.  Pragmites is also being controlled in approximately 1,100 acres.  Project completion is scheduled for 12/31/12.  Annual phragmites control and monitoring will continue into 2013.  Project funding of $3.42M is from GLRI.

Sterling Island is a man-made island within the Area of Concern. It has experienced significant erosion and is a major contributor of sediment, impairing aquatic habitat by reducing spawning, nursery and refuge habitat for fish and aquatic organisms. This restoration addresses loss of fish and wildlife habitat by constructing of a rock deflector and longitudinal stone toe to protect the existing bank against river flows, wave action, ice flows and Lake Erie seiches. Grading and installation of timber steps prevent erosion from pedestrian foot traffic. The project will also provide aquatic habitat benefits, including a rock substrate spawning area and basking area for waterfowl and turtles. The project was completed in late 2012 with $500,000 from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The River Raisin fish passage goal is to reconnect Lake Erie to the lower 23 miles of the River Raisin allowing passage of fish and canoes/kayaks, addressing Loss of Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations.  Phase 1 reopens 3.5 miles through the removal of 2 low-head dams and the installation of rock arch rapids at 2 locations in the City of Monroe.  Phase 2 provides 19.5 miles by installing 2 rock arch rapids, constructing a small channel adjacent to Waterloo Dam, and cleaning out Grape Mill Race.  Phase 1 will be completed by 11/30/12.  Phase 2 completion is scheduled for summer 2013.  Funding of both phases is $2.96 M from GLRI.