IMPORTANT RIVER WATER LEVEL MEETING - JULY 17TH - BONNIE CASTLE Posted Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 1:40:32 PM     Alexandria Bay, NY 1000 Islands  Comments  Unique Views 1630/Total Views 1651

IMPORTANT RIVER WATER LEVEL MEETING

Wednesday, July 17 (6:00pm) – Alexandria Bay, NY
Bonnie Castle Resort, 31 Holland St

They need large numbers at the hearing tonight.. it will show the IJC that folks are not willing to deal with low water levels here in the 1000 Islands.. "The North Country needs to speak out to balance the onslaught of negative comments made at the first three public hearings along the south shore of Lake Ontario."

Fifty years of human-regulated water levels, originally designed to benefit hydroelectric power generation and shipping, have significantly altered the St. Lawrence River’s natural processes damaging the environment by reducing habitat diversity, decimating populations of key native species, shortening our recreational boating season and harming our tourism-based economy.

After years of study and public input the International Joint Commission has put forward a modern approach. Plan 2014 will achieve a balance of benefits for all interests by taking into account the needs of the River and Lake Ontario ecosystem for the first time. When implemented, it will begin to reverse the damage caused by 50 years of destructive regulation, and allow the River and Lake to once again thrive. For more details about Plan 2014 visit Save The River and the International Joint Commission websites.

Many of you are veterans of this fight - we've been here before. Over the past year many of you added your calm voices to the public information sessions, your signatures on our petition and sign-on letters, and sent telegrams and emails to IJC and Governor Cuomo. Those expressions of support - almost 10,000 strong - have gotten us to this point. We now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore our coastal ecosystems and improve the health of our River and Lake.  But the opponents of any change, although fewer in number, are very vocal in their opposition.

NOW IS THE TIME! We have the attention of the IJC and our Governor. 

It is Critical that You Show Your Support for Plan 2014 – The IJC Needs to Hear from You!

►Attend a Public Hearing: The IJC has scheduled public hearings around Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River starting Sunday, July 14th. All the dates and places are on our website. The TWO on the River are:  

Wednesday, July 17 (6:00pm) – Alexandria Bay, NY
Bonnie Castle Resort, 31 Holland St

Friday, July 19 (6:00pm) – Cornwall, ON Ramada Inn, St. Lawrence West Room, 805 Brookdale Ave.

►Call in to and Speak on a Teleconference: The IJC will hold a teleconference on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm (EDT), the call-in number is: 1-888-772-5578

►Submit Written Comments: The IJC is accepting written comments until August 30th. You can submit your comment in support of Plan 2014 on its website.

►Stop by Save The River and fill out a "I Support Plan 2014" postcard (also at many local businesses and organizations)

We have put together information to help you voice your support for Plan 2014 including tips for attending the meetings and sample talking points to help you craft your comments. Visit Save The River's Plan 2014 website for more information.

Thank you for joining with others who live, work, and play on the St. Lawrence River in this critical effort to restore it.

- Lee Willbanks Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper Save The River Executive Director

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