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2023 Map of Saint Clair Flats

Name: 2023 Topographic Map of Saint Clair Flats
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2023
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2023

About this map

The Saint Clair Flats delta complex defines this aquatic landscape where the St. Clair River meet the open waters of Lake Saint Clair. This environment is characterized by an intricate network of waterways known locally as highways, such as Big Fisher Highway and Scotten Highway, which serve as the primary thoroughfares between low-lying land masses like Harsens Island and Dickinson Island. The international boundary between the United States and Canada runs directly through these channels, illustrating the geographic proximity of Ontario to the Michigan shore.

Evidence of local habitation is found at Miller and along the Middle Channel Saint Clair River, where development follows the narrow corridors of dry ground. The map details a labyrinth of cuts and bays, including Schweinkart Cut and Pollet Bay, alongside prominent landforms like Muscamoot Ridge. This 2023 survey documents the modern state of one of the largest freshwater deltas in the world, showing how the "highways" continue to navigate the shifting sands and marshes of the flats.