For immediate release: June 9, 2004

Contact: Dan Keifer, Development Director

Phone: 248-601-0606

The natural, economic and recreational values of the Clinton River will be the highlight of community events and activities taking place on the 7th annual River Day celebration in over 20 communities across Macomb and Oakland counties on Saturday, June 12th.

Coordinated each June by the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC), River Day 2004 encourages appreciation and recreational use of the waterways of the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. It celebrates the leadership of local citizens, organizations, and communities whose efforts are critical to protecting and enhancing the overall water quality of the Clinton River watershed. Events range from the uppermost parts of the watershed in Oakland County’s Springfield Township and Addison Township where the branches of southeast Michigan’s most populous river system begin; all the way to the mouth of the river in Macomb County’s Harrison Township where the river meets Lake St. Clair.

More than 1,500 people will participate in nearly 40 different events, from fishing derbies, bike tours, flytying lessons and naturalist-let hikes to park and trail stewardship, community pancake breakfasts and a public ceremony to recognize the Lake St. Clair Clean Boating Campaign. The event coincides this year with Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, creating more reasons to explore and enjoy local waterways and trails.

“River Day encourages adults and children alike to discover and enjoy the waterways right in their own neighborhoods,” said Jessica Pitelka Opfer, Executive Director of CRWC. “There is something for everyone to learn from and to enjoy in our local outdoors…walk, bike, run, fish, plant, play. Northern Michigan’s open spaces and blue waters are the weekend playground for many southeast Michigan residents. But “up north” is a 3-hour drive away – too far to go every weekend, especially for a busy family. A pleasant surprise is in store for those who take the time to look right in their own backyards for relief from daily hustle and bustle.”

Typical of River Day events, there is Macomb County Commissioner Kathy Vosburg who is doing storm drain stenciling with State Representative Dan Acciavatti and volunteers in Chesterfield Township. Another event coordinator is Lois Robbins who is coordinating the 2nd annual day-long Brandon Township CreekFest. Over 30 other local community groups and organizations coordinate their own activities throughout the 80-mile wide Clinton River system that reaches from north central Oakland County to Lake St. Clair in Macomb County.

The full list of events is available in a printed Event Guide available by calling CRWC’s office; and online at the website, www.crwc.org.

The Clinton River watershed covers 760 square miles through four counties (Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair). Over 1.4 million people live in the 60 communities through which the Clinton River flows before reaching Lake St. Clair. CRWC is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and celebrating the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair.