Ford Donates 242 Acres to the US Wildlife Service

Ford, the only American car manufacturer that did not ask for government aid in times of recession, had some important sales increase lately. Things seem to be back on track, so the automaker decided to donate 242 acres of coastal wetlands in Monroe County, Mich., to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be included in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

The area plays several important roles, as it is an important flyway for thousands of migrating birds, a habitat for bald eagles and wide variety of mammals, and home to significant beds of the American Lotus, the official symbol of Michigan’s clean waterways.

“This is a special piece of land and I’m pleased this donation will ensure that it will remain pristine for future generations to enjoy its natural beauty and rich wildlife,” said Bill Ford, Ford’s executive chairman.  “At Ford, protecting the environment is a core value and this project is an example of how we can partner with the government to ensure that vision is a reality.”  

Ford and ACH worked closely with U.S. Rep. John Dingell in donating the land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  “We are profoundly thankful to Congressman Dingell for his leadership that enabled us to work through the regulatory challenges and leave this lasting legacy in Monroe County,” said Mark Blair, CEO of ACH.

“There is an unfortunate myth that corporations and conservation cannot go well together,” Dingell said. “The donation of Ford Marsh by Ford and ACH should permanently debunk that falsehood.  In fact, some of the greatest potential for preserving our fragile wetlands and wildlife habitats in this country lies within our nation’s businesses – a concept the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge continues to advance.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to both Ford and ACH for making this donation possible and for bravely creating an example that I hope will be increasingly followed by other corporations around the country,” Dingell added.