County Executive Mark Hackel was today joined by community leaders for the first-ever More to our Shore event at Lake St. Clair Metropark. The gathering saw business and municipal representatives come together for updates on and discussion around the county’s freshwater advantage, as well as the efforts designed to boost its wellbeing - both ecologically and economically.
“Macomb County is home to incredible waterways,” said Hackel. “From Lake St. Clair, to the Clinton River and its tributaries, our community has access to miles of freshwater shoreline, something not many places can claim. Therefore, it’s our job to ensure they remain clean, clear and connected for generations to come. Because they’re economic engines that fuel local business and property values, as well as ecological assets that strengthen our region as a whole. Today I’m proud to share more on the partnerships we’ve formed over many years to promote and protect our waterways, and some of the results of that innovation and collaboration.”
Hackel continued by expanding on several important ideas, initiatives and figures, including:
“Macomb County is home to incredible waterways,” said Hackel. “From Lake St. Clair, to the Clinton River and its tributaries, our community has access to miles of freshwater shoreline, something not many places can claim. Therefore, it’s our job to ensure they remain clean, clear and connected for generations to come. Because they’re economic engines that fuel local business and property values, as well as ecological assets that strengthen our region as a whole. Today I’m proud to share more on the partnerships we’ve formed over many years to promote and protect our waterways, and some of the results of that innovation and collaboration.”
Hackel continued by expanding on several important ideas, initiatives and figures, including:
- The scale of Macomb County’s natural freshwater assets
- Macomb County features 13.1 miles of coastline and 160 miles of waterfront, including canals, rivers and tributaries.
- The Clinton River spans 32 miles, originating in Utica and flowing to Harrison Township.
- Lake St. Clair has approximately 160 million gallons of water with an average depth of 11 feet.
- The Blue Economy and overall economic impact
- Macomb County’s coastal areas have 17 million visitors annually, and the Blue Economy provides $1.8 billion in economic value for the region through:
- Use of marinas, public launch sites and parks
- Patronage of coastal commercial districts (e.g., Jefferson Avenue)
- Visits from out-of-area individuals attracted to places like Boat Town USA, including those from across the region, state and country
- Bassmaster tournament returning to Lake St. Clair this summer
- Further breakdowns show that in 2024:
- Lake St. Clair saw 2.1 million visitors
- Coastal parks saw 2.6 million visitors
- Marinas saw 1.13 million visitors
- Paddling launches saw 121,000 visitors partly due to new sites at George George Park, DNR Spillway, Brandenburg Park, Salt Lake River, Lake St. Clair Metropark and River Bends Park
- And boat launches boomed. Lake St. Clair saw more than 300,000 boats, Selfridge saw 142,000, Harley Ensign saw 32,000, the Clinton River cut saw 48,000 and Brandenburg Park saw 39,000.
- Macomb County’s coastal areas have 17 million visitors annually, and the Blue Economy provides $1.8 billion in economic value for the region through:
- The enhancement of coastal destinations, including:
- The Ford Estate and Ford Cove
- The Blossom Heath Boardwalk in St. Clair Shores
- The Jefferson Pedestrian Bridge in Harrison Township
- Lake St. Clair Metropark projects such as the North Marina restoration, greening of parking lots and a new boardwalk
- The construction of the new Macomb County Marine Division Boathouse
- Brandenburg Park updates, including a new boardwalk, the Salt River land acquisition and the Weber Paddle Park
- The ongoing revitalization of downtown New Baltimore
- The importance of environmental stewardship
- Collaborative efforts over many years have resulted in a clean, clear and connected Clinton River. In the last five years alone $20 million has been invested in restoration efforts along the waterway.
- Ensuring water quality requires ongoing maintenance and several projects showcase this effort, including work at:
- The Chapaton Canal Pump Station
- The Jefferson Relief Drain
- The Beaconsfield Ave. in-system storage
Hackel concluded the event by speaking to what’s next for Macomb County’s freshwater assets.
“There’s a wave of transformation forming,” he said. “Together with partners, we envision more access, more natural beauty and more prosperity with a bold and unified commitment to developing new assets along our shores. From hotels and dining to recreation, all with a commitment to environmental stewardship. But it goes without saying - we’re not waiting for the future, we’re building it now and makin’ waves.”
Additional information on the Blue Economy can be found at macombgov.org/planning-and-economic-development/parks-and-natural-resources/blue-economy-initiative.
Tom Lehrer
lehrer@macombgov.org
586-808-3452
