Comments received >

July 10, 2008 — Ms. Ginger Comstock

Secretary, United States Section
International Joint Commission
1250 23rd St NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20440

Dear Secretary,

As a resident in the Great Lakes basin, I know first hand how critical the Great Lakes are not only to the region's birds and other wildlife, but to the economy and quality of life of the millions of people that live within its watershed. I thank you for the opportunity to provide comments regarding the new plan and order for managing water levels in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

I believe that it is critically important for any management plan to restore a natural flow and fluctuation of water levels in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, which will ensure the protection of the environment and the natural resources that depend on the Lake and river. This is why I strongly support Plan B+ as the preferred management option, and strongly urge the International Joint Commission to adopt a firm deadline for its implementation.

Plan 2007 will not restore the natural cyclical rhythms of the Lake and River, and does little to reverse the decades of decline of the wetlands and other important habitats in this important ecosystem. As millions of dollars are being spent to restore Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the most cost effective solution is to implement Plan B+ and restore balance to the ecological integrity of the region. Thank you for consideration of this comment.

Sincerely,

Ginger Comstock

cc: Governor David Paterson

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