Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wildlife Refuge topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge group seeks community support; benefit set for Sept. 25
Summary
The International Wildlife Refuge Alliance briefed council on the refuge’s local units and asked the city to promote its Sept. 25 benefit dinner at Silver Shores Waterfront; the alliance aims to raise $75,000 to support refuge programs and operations.
Leaders of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge’s friends group told Monroe City Council that the refuge protects more than 6,200 acres across the U.S. and Canada and that Monroe County contains a large share of the refuge’s holdings. The presentation highlighted the Port of Monroe and Ford Marsh units within the city.
Gary Kirsch, board chair of the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, asked for municipal support and attendance at the alliance’s annual benefit dinner on Sept. 25 at Silver Shores Waterfront. Kirsch said the alliance’s goal is to sell up to 400 seats and to raise $75,000 to support refuge operations, education programs, habitat work and equipment purchases such as a Marshmaster used to manage invasive species.
"We have in excess of 500 foot, fishing pier. There's a visitor center," Kirsch said, describing refuge amenities that serve both recreational and subsistence users.
Why it matters: The refuge includes units and public amenities within Monroe City that draw visitors and provide habitat-management needs that rely on both federal staffing and local nonprofit fundraising. Alliance leaders said recent federal budget pressures make the annual fundraiser an important source of operating support.
What the alliance asked: Kirsch described sponsorship and ticket levels, the option for organizations to donate tables back to volunteers or partner charities, and a planned "community challenge" to track participation by municipality in the area. The board also plans to unveil a five-year strategic plan at the event.
Council reaction and next steps: Councilmembers acknowledged the regional value of the refuge and noted the city’s units link to other nearby parks and historic sites. Council took no formal action; alliance representatives left brochures and contact information for sponsorships and ticket purchases.
Ending: The alliance requested that city leaders and residents consider attending or sponsoring the event to help restore the fundraiser to pre-pandemic attendance levels and to support refuge programming.
