Photo Friday: St. Clair River

A kayaker paddles near the edge of the St. Clair River near Guthrie Park outside Sarnia, Ontario. Environmentalists and government agencies are working to reduce the risk of E.coli along the beaches, so swimmers will also have safe access. Samples of water taken over the past three years show improvement. Changing the AOC status of beach health from “impaired” to “not impaired” is awaiting approval from the First Nation People, the indigenous people of Canada. Currently beaches are labeled “swim at your own risk.” Image: Carin Tunney

Rock seawalls and bed armoring along the St. Clair River improved the habitat, according to Friends of the St. Clair River, which is active in the efforts to restore the population of fish and wildlife there. The barriers reduce erosion at the water’s edge, allowing for plant growth, and provide habitat for amphibians and fish living near the shore. Beaver and birds also use the shoreline for nesting and feeding. Stag Island, seen in the distance, is home to bald eagles. Image: Carin Tunney

Cattails and native grasses along the shoreline are threatened by invasive phragmites, a type of perennial weed. Image: Carin Tunney

The St. Clair River Trail stretches 21 miles (35 kilometers) between Corunna and Port Lambton, Ontario. Running through several parks. It provides the opportunity for recreational activities such as walking, biking and picnics. Image: Carin Tunney

Freighters still use the Shell dock along the St. Clair River in Corunna. The dock is adjacent to the St. Clair River Trail. Canada’s Shell Manufacturing Center across the parkway contains 75,000 barrels of crude oil each day. Image: Carin Tunney

The International Joint Commission), a binational agency focusing on boundary waters between Canada and the United States, removed the “Degradation of Aesthetics” AOC status in 2014. The agency found acceptable improvements to the overall look of the river, including the transparency of its water. Image: Carin Tunney