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The City of Monroe’s Commission on the Environment and Water Quality (COTE) and River Raisin Area of Concern have produced a documentary film detailing the extensive remediation, restoration, and revitalization efforts of the River Raisin in Monroe County Michigan over the past four decades. This effort, called the River Raisin Legacy Project, illustrates the cleanup work, habitat restoration, contaminated PBC hotspot remediation, and recreational enhancements among many other projects and activities.
The removal of low-head dams has allowed fish to migrate, for the first time in over 80 years, a twenty-three mile stretch of the River Raisin. The documentary shows the relentless efforts of volunteers, staff, and key stakeholders to restore ecology and natural beauty, as well as the cultural and recreational value of this regional asset including fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and more.
The River Raisin: A Comeback Story showcases the positive hard work of the community, public, and private stakeholders on a federally identified issue – the River Raisin listed as an area of concern defined through the International (Canada) Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The River Raisin’s legacy is explored through the narrative of its history from the indigenous Potawatomie peoples to the largest battle of the War of 1812 to major industry and manufacturing pollution, to a labor strike that wrought national attention, and much more. This film is a powerful outreach tool that will inspire stewardship of this amazing natural resource.
Through a compelling story arc combining expert interviews, dramatic recreations, historical assets, and cinematic b-roll, this film will serve as an inspirational message and call to action for our children and future generations.
Directed by Bradley M Egen (USA)