Ospreys are listed as a threatened species in the state. Along with bald eagles and peregrine falcons, they were hard hit by the liberal use of pesticides shortly after World War II. Unlike peregrines, Michigan never lost its entire osprey population; the species managed to persist in small numbers in the state. Since the ban of DDT and other similar persistent pesticides, they have rebounded in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. Aided by manmade nesting structures, there are several places where multiple nests can be observed in a small area.

Once found throughout southern Michigan, ospreys did not expand their nesting activities into areas of suitable habitat in that part of the state. To facilitate that expansion, releases have occurred at Maple River State Game Area north of St. Johns, Kensington Metropark near Brighton, Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township, and a site on private land in Barry County. All areas have the large open water habitats (lakes, marshes, rivers) and have historic records of osprey activity.

The goal is to reestablish osprey nesting in these and several other sites in lower Michigan. This project is a cooperative effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Huron Clinton Metro Parks, and the Detroit Zoo. Funding is being provided from the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.