Grosse Ile's Sugar Island Beach Opens To Public Saturday

GROSSE ILE (WWJ/AP) - A beach on the Detroit River's Sugar Island is opening to the public Saturday. The island is located near the southeast end of Grosse Ile at the mouth of the Detroit River as it
enters Lake Erie.

The island's west beach will be accessible for activities including picnicking, sunbathing, wildlife observation, photography and volleyball. Upland areas will be off-limits to protect wildlife. The beach will remain open to the public during daylight hours through Labor Day.

Officials say the area designated for public use will be clearly marked. Some activities will be prohibited, such as setting fires, fishing, drinking alcohol and setting off fireworks.

Federal conservation funds were used to buy the 30-acre Sugar Island last year. It's part of a "conservation crescent" also consisting of the Gibraltar Bay, Calf Island, Humbug Marsh and Lake Erie Metropark refuge units.

They are unique habitats that serve as important stopover sites for migratory birds and spawning and nursery habitat for fish.

TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.