The International Joint Commission focuses on water levels in the Great Lake system.
(02/03/12) A new plan for controlling water levels in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River will be the main agenda item at Save the River's annual conference at the Clayton Opera House this weekend.
The new plan allows water levels to stay high (or low) for longer periods than the current plan does. The more natural fluctuations are intended to restore diversity in the shoreline ecosystems. Martha Foley has more.
The regulatory plan
was released this week by the International Joint Commission, which represents
both the U.S. and Canada. It is intended
to restore diversity in shoreline plant and animal communities by permitting
greater fluctuations in water levels.
Jennifer Caddick is
executive director of Save the River. She says organization has endorsed it:
"I think this plan is a strong balanced approach that helps us balance
the many sometimes-competing needs on the system. So I think this is a great step forward."
The new plan allows
water levels to stay high or low for longer periods than the current plan
does. She says the more natural
fluctuations will benefit wetland habitats, and the fish that depend on
them.
But some businesses
and citizens are concerned that the plan will cost them money, and will
negatively affect the tourist economy.
The Save the River
conference is tomorrow at the Clayton Opera House.
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