August 2008
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition releases its regional agenda; National leaders need to understand the issues that play important roles in improving Southeast Michigan
As the national political parties hold their conventions and the election season gears up for the final push to November 5, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), a unique partnership of business, labor, and government leaders in Southeast Michigan, releases its regional agenda, with an important message to the national candidates — that it is in the nation’s best interest to preserve and build upon Southeast Michigan’s infrastructure, environmental, and economic assets.
News Release — August 21, 2008
MAC Platform of Issues
March 2008
Accepting proposals for new fishing pier and boat dock project at Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, in cooperation with Wayne County and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is requesting engineering and design assistance to establish a new fishing pier and boat dock at the Refuge Gateway of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton, Michigan. Once completed, this new regional recreational opportunity will provide accessible fishing to one of the largest walleye fisheries in North America. For more information on this project and submitting a project proposal, click here >>
January 2008
University of Michigan Grad Student awarded MAC-Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Fellowship
Rebecca Sowder, a graduate student at the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment, has been awarded a prestigious, one-year fellowship to work on projects common to Metropolitan Affairs Coalition’s Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, including working with partners to design and oversee construction of an environmental education shelter and interpretive trails in the refuge’s Humbug Marsh in Gibraltar and Trenton, and helping coordinate a wetland restoration project at the refuge’s Brancheau Unit in Monroe County. Read more >>
November 2007
Shining Light Awards honors five regional heroes
The inaugural Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards took place on November 8, 2007 and honored the late long-time Detroit Free Press editor and publisher Neal Shine as well as four regional leadears - Marian and Michael Ilitch, Eleanor Josaitis, and Dave Bing.
More information on the 2007 event, the honorees, and press coverage can be found at www.shininglightawards.com. Exclusive videos produced by the Free Press for the event can also be found here >>
September 2007
"Discover Our Wild Side" part of Crain's Detroit Business video feature
Crain's Detroit Business featured MAC's "Discover Our Wild Side" nature tourism initiative and the "rebirth" of the Downriver area as a nature tourism hotspot as part of their Bright Side video series, a collection of stories that address the positive side of business in Southeast Michigan. Click here to view the video from Crain's >>
"Paddle By Your Refuge" Continues to Grow
The 3rd Annual "Paddle By Your Refuge" took place on September 16, 2007. Beginner and expert kayakers from across the region visitied Elizabeth Park and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, paddling around Michigan’s oldest county park to pristine Humbug Marsh and Island. Particpants had a chance to learn about kayaking and the amazing natural resources and wildlife of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. An interpreter from Huron-Clinton Metroparks was also on hand at Humbug Marsh providing an in-depth introduction to this beautiful natural area.
For more on this past event, click here >>
August 2007
First annual "Celebrating Community Down by the River" a success
On August 4, the communities of Gibraltar, Flat Rock, and Rockwood, along with the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Lake Erie Metropark, hosted a special celebration, the first annual “Celebrating Community Down by the River.” The event featured activities for the whole family on the great network of kayaking and bicycling trails that connect these communities and natural areas. This family-friendly Downriver event received coverage in The Monroe Evening News, The News-Herald, and The Detroit News, as well as the Absolute Michigan website. MAC is proud to have helped plan and promote this event.
July 2007
Chevy Open, MAC featured in Free Press editorial
The Detroit Free Press discussed the significance of the FLW Chevy Open bass fishing tournament to the Detroit region in a July 13 editorial. Additional media coverage of this major tournament can be found here >>
$1.5 million bass fishing tournament visits Detroit River
Hundreds of pro and amateur bass anglers from 27 states plus Australia and Japan competed on the Detroit River from July 12 through July 15 for $1.5 million in prize money at the Chevy Open, a major bass fishing tournament that is part of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, one of the world’s most high profile and lucrative bass fishing circuits.
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC), and other local organizations worked with FLW Outdoors to bring the bass fishing tournament to the Detroit River.
Thousands also visited Cobo Center in Downtown Detroit for the FLW Tour Family Fun Zone & Outdoor Show on July 14 and 15. This free family-friendly expo featured a variety of activities, from fishing seminars taught by pro anglers to food and product samples. Kids enjoyed games, obstacle courses, an inflatable slide, Ranger Boat simulators, and trout pond.
It's estimated that the tournament had a $4 million to $5 million positive impact on the local economy. And, with international coverage on Fox Sports Net, the Chevy Open served to highlight and enhance the Detroit area’s reputation as a major fishing and nature tourism destination to a truly global audience.
For more information on the Chevy Open, view the press release or click here >>
May 2007
Dedication of wildlife observation deck at Humbug Marsh and
release of U.S.-Canada bird driving tour map
On May 12 — International Migratory Bird Day — the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, Michigan Sea Grant, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service celebrated the completion of a wildlife observation deck at Humbug Marsh and the release of the Byways to Flyways bird driving tour map of Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario. The observation deck provides a great opportunity to view Humbug Island and Marsh, and unique birds in the area, 
with a spotting scope. Both the wildlife observation deck and the Byways to Flyways map are designed to bring people and nature together.
For more information, view the press release or click the image to the left
