We are headed into a critical period in the fight for a more natural water levels plan on the St. Lawrence River. We need your help to finally get a new, natural water levels regulation plan in place!
As many residents have already seen, the River is experiencing very low water this year. These conditions are – at least in part – a result of the outdated regulation plan in place, 1958DD. Although low water will be an unpleasant fact of life from time to time with any plan, under a more natural plan like B+ these events will be guided by nature, and they will be delivering important environmental benefits to the River we all love.
We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a big difference for the health of the River by implementing a natural flow plan like Plan B+ and sending the message that our River environment matters. If it matters to you, then we need your help.
Write your elected officials and the IJC asking for a new natural plan – like B+ – today!
Find contact information and sample language below. We recommend that you fax a copy of your letter before sending due to long mail delays in Washington. Please call us with any questions, and thank you for helping the River in this critical time.
SAMPLE LETTER LANGUAGE
Dear _________________:
Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River is very important to me (explain why…)
Unnatural control of water levels and flows since the 1950’s has severely degraded the coastal wetlands in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The habitats that give much of the ecosystem life have been damaged as a direct result of regulation. We need a new, natural water levels regulation plan immediately to undo the damage that has been done to the system.
I urge you to do everything possible to ensure the implementation of a new, natural water levels plan such as Plan B+, immediately.
Thank you,
[Insert your name and address]
Where should I send my letter?
We’re asking everyone to send their letters to the International Joint Commission and the following elected officials.
In the U.S.?
International Joint Commission – US Section Office:
Frank Bevacqua, Public Information Officer
International Joint Commission
2000 L Street, NW
Suite #615
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 736-9024
Fax: (202) 632-2006
Email: bevacquaf@washington.ijc.org
Members of Congress
Congressman Bill Owens (NY-23rd)
(Congressman Owens represents much of Northern New York, including all of the communities along the St. Lawrence River.)
Senator Charles Schumer (NY)
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28th)
(Congresswoman Slaughter represents much of the Rochester area and communities along Lake Ontario. If you live in Rochester or along Lake Ontario, please send her a letter too!)
In Canada?
International Joint Commission – Canadian Section Office:
Bernard Beckhoff, Public Affairs Adviser
International Joint Commission
234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd Floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 6K6
Phone: 613-947-1420
Fax: 613-993-5583
Email: beckhoffb@ottawa.ijc.org
Thank you for speaking out on behalf of the River!
