A new report from the nonprofit advocacy group American Rivers gives welcome support to those who oppose the International Joint Commission's plan for regulating flows from Lake Ontario into the Saint Lawrence river. Because the proposed regulations adversely affect the natural flow of the river, the Saint Lawrence is named as the fourth most endangered river in the country by American Rivers in their annual report on America's Most Endangered Rivers.
The Watertown Daily Times has a good article on the issue. The IJC's Plan 2007, would essentially continue the 50 year pattern of regulating the flows of the Saint Lawrence without regard for environmental impact. A proposed alternative, Plan B+ would restore a more natural flow with seasonal variations. This alternative is supported by a broad coalition of environmental and government interests. Even the US and Canadian hydro-power authorities prefer the alternative.
Alexander B. "Pete" Grannis, the (New York) state Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, said American Rivers' decision to list the St. Lawrence River as one of the most endangered is "dead on."
"The St. Lawrence is at risk in part because the International Joint Commission is poised to botch a once-in-a-generation opportunity to return to more natural water flows in the river and Lake Ontario," Mr. Grannis said in a statement.
"Instead, the IJC wants to continue a river management plan that artificially constrains water levels — a plan that has turned half the once vibrant wetlands bordering Lake Ontario into impenetrable cattail stands," he said.
You can send an email supporting Plan B+ from American Rivers website.
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