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July 17, 2006 - Gildo M. Tori, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

I am writing on behalf of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to express our support of Plan B+ water level regulation for the Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence water study. Ducks Unlimited is a wetlands conservation organization founded in 1937 to conserve habitat for North American waterfowl. Our habitat conservation efforts have protected and restored more than 11 million acres in North America, and have benefited more than 900 species of wildlife. We have more than 600,000 members nationwide and approximately 40,000 in the area adjoining the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence systems. First, we want to congratulate the International Joint Commission study board for the progress Plan B+ makes in developing a balanced alternative between economic interests and environmental needs. The wetlands and coastal habitats of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River evolved in response to the natural rhythms of the lake, which was a wet/dry cycle of approximately 15-30 years that produced both high and low water levels. The current water level regulation Plan 1958DD, has resulted in a stabilization of these natural highs and lows, and has resulted in overall loss of wetlands and vegetative diversity in lakeshore habitats with negative effects for many important wildlife species. These past impacts have negatively affected many people associated with the lake, including fisherman, hunters, trappers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Lake Ontario is an ecosystem struggling with serious stresses including invasive species, pollution, and habitat degradation. Plan B+ provides an opportunity to restore a more natural hydrology to the lake and river, and reduce the stress on this ecosystem. Plan B+ partially restores the natural long-term ebb and flow of the lake, while taming extreme highs and lows that could result in economic damage. All of the plans result in occasional high levels for the lake, but the real benefits of Plan B+ come from the occasional periods of low levels that this plan allows, when water supplies from the upper lakes are low. Positive results are realized for several key environmental indicators for Lake Ontario, including species of concern, fisheries, wetland vegetation, and most importantly, the citizens of the region who fish, hunt, trap, birdwatch, and enjoy clean healthy water. In fact, the benefits of Plan B+ extend to citizens outside the basin along the Atlantic Flyway ! in Canada and the United States because of the use by migratory birds that traverse the two countries. In addition to providing much better environmental conditions over the existing plan, Plan B+ results in net benefits for hydropower and commercial navigation All in all, we believe Plan B+ is the most scientifically and socially prudent plan to implement. I appreciate this opportunity to express Ducks Unlimited's support of water level regulation Plan B+. This is a historic opportunity to improve the environment for both wildlife and people in and along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Thank you.

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