The mission of the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance is to support the first international wildlife refuge in North America by working through partnerships to protect, conserve, and manage the Refuge’s wildlife and habitats; and to create exceptional conservation, recreational, and educational experiences, to develop the next generation of conservation stewards.

We are a 501 (c )(3) nonprofit, “Friends” organization that helps the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to deliver the mission of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. We are a member of the National Wildlife Refuge Association Friends groups and the National Wildlife Refuge System. The National Wildlife Refuge System Friends Program was established in 1996 to encourage and organize community involvement in activities of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Today, there are more than 240 Friends groups that play a vital role in helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fulfill its mission of conserving, protecting and enhancing America’s fish, wildlife and plants and the habitats upon which they depend. Friends groups are private, independent, nonprofit organizations formed and managed by private citizens who support the mission and purposes of a national wildlife refuge. 

 

The IWRA Office Manager, Joann Van Aken, is available in the office on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. She can also be emailed at iwr_alliance@yahoo.com or phoned at (734) 692-7671



Members of the Board come from a wide range of organizations, businesses and backgrounds to contribute their skills to the success of the Refuge.

• Richard G. Micka Chair
• Ryan Werder Vice-Chair    Michigan League of Conservation Voters
• Tim Bowman Treasurer    Monroe Bank and Trust
• Jack Liang Secretary    Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority
• Fred DeLisle Liason    BASF Corporation
• Karen Boase
• Mary Bohling    Michigan Sea Grant
• Gary Dawson    Consumers Energy
• Joseph Hemming    HemmingLaw
• Gary Kirsh    ITC Holdings Company
• Jon Peterson    AT&T Michigan
• David Shefferly    Ducks Unlimited
• Richard Skogland
• Anita Twardesky    Riverside Kayak Connection
• Roberta Urbani    DTE Energy
• Dick Whitwam    Pte. Mouilee Waterfowl Festival

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What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only network of federal lands dedicated specifically to wildlife conservation. Home to more than 700 types of birds, 220 different mammals, 250 reptiles, and more than 200 kinds of fish, the amazing variety of wildlife found on refuges reflects America’s bountiful natural heritage. Many wildlife refuges were created to protect and enhance resting and feeding grounds of migratory birds, creating a chain of stepping stones along major migration routes. Others were established to conserve the natural homes of our rarest wild species, including bald eagles, bison and whooping cranes.

Image courtesy of National Wildlife Refuge Association



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Priority public uses of the National Wildlife Refuge System
• 1. Hunting
• 2. Fishing
• 3. Wildlife observation
• 4. Wildlife photography
• 5. Environmental education
• 6. Environmental interpretation

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A Vision for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge:
 
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, including the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie Basin, will be a conservation region where a clean environment fosters the health and diversity of wildlife, fish, and plant resources through protection, creation of new habitats, management, and restoration of natural communities and habitats on public and private lands. Through effective management and partnering, the Refuge will provide outstanding opportunities for quality of life benefits such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and environmental education, as well as ecological, economic, and cultural benefits, for present and future generations.

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