St. Marys River (Michigan-Ontario)

St. Marys River (Michigan-Ontario), connecting Lake Superior to Lake Huron, forms part of the Canada–United States border between the U.S. state of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario. The river flows through the Soo Locks, a set of locks operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It is an important component of the Great Lakes Waterway, which includes Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, and is managed by the International Joint Commission.

Geography

The St. Marys River is approximately 74.5 kilometers long and drains an area of about 126,000 square kilometers, including parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The river's watershed includes numerous smaller rivers and streams, such as the Waiska River, Little Waiska River, and Garden River, which flow through the Hiawatha National Forest and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The river's mouth is located near Bruce Mines, Ontario, and De Tour Village, Michigan, where it empties into Lake Huron. The river's geography is also influenced by the Niagara Escarpment, a geological formation that runs from New York to Wisconsin, and passes through Ontario and Michigan.

History

The St. Marys River has been an important transportation route for thousands of years, with indigenous peoples such as the Ojibwe and Ottawa using the river for trade and commerce. The river was also an important route for early European explorers, including Étienne Brûlé, Samuel de Champlain, and Jacques Marquette, who traveled through the region in the 17th century. The river played a significant role in the War of 1812, with the Battle of Mackinac Island taking place near the river's mouth. The river is also home to the Soo Locks, which were built in the 19th century by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and are operated in conjunction with the Canadian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard.

Ecology

The St. Marys River is home to a diverse range of aquatic species, including lake trout, walleye, and yellow perch, which are managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The river's watershed is also home to numerous wetlands and forests, including the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the Pigeon River Country State Forest, which provide habitat for species such as the wood duck, bald eagle, and black bear. The river's ecology is influenced by the Great Lakes Observing System, a network of monitoring stations and sensors that track water levels, temperature, and other environmental factors. The river is also affected by invasive species such as zebra mussels and sea lamprey, which are managed by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee.

Economy

The St. Marys River is an important component of the regional economy, with shipping and trade playing a significant role in the local economy. The river is used to transport goods such as iron ore, coal, and grain, which are handled by the Soo Locks and the Port of Duluth-Superior. The river is also home to a number of industries, including paper mills and steel mills, which are operated by companies such as International Paper and U.S. Steel. The river's economy is also influenced by tourism, with visitors drawn to the region's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Hiawatha National Forest.

Navigation

The St. Marys River is an important navigation route, with the Soo Locks allowing ships to pass between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. The river is used by a variety of vessels, including freighters, tugboats, and recreational boats, which are managed by the United States Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard. The river's navigation is also influenced by the Great Lakes Navigation System, which includes a network of buoys, beacons, and other aids to navigation that are maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Canadian Hydrographic Service. The river is also home to a number of marinas and boat launches, which provide access to the river for recreational boaters and fishermen, including those visiting Mackinac Island and the Les Cheneaux Islands.