On December 21, 2001, President Bush signed legislation establishing the first International Wildlife Refuge in North America. The refuge, which includes islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals, and riverfront lands along 18 miles of the Lower Detroit River, will protect and restore habitat for 29 species of waterfowl, 65 kinds of fish, and 300 species of migratory birds along the river in Michigan and Canada. Business interests are playing a key role in supporting the creation of the International Wildlife Refuge. The Service owns four islands within the refuge. The refuge is managed by staff at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, in Oak Harbor, Ohio.

Not Applicable.