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June 16, 2008 – Dr. Marilyn Mayer, Canton, New York

The Secretary

Dear Secretary,

As an aquatic scientist and concerned citizen, I would like to comment on the International Joint Commission's draft plan for water levels regulation on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River Plan 2007. This draft plan would perpetuate 50 years of documented environmental degradation, an unacceptable loss. Instead, I urge you to PROTECT one of the world's largest and most vital freshwater ecosystems by IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENTING PLAN B+.

The Commission's own study shows that the current management plan does not allow for the variation in water levels essential to a healthy river. This plan has significantly reduced the diversity of plant species in river wetlands and impacted many fish and wildlife populations. As long as this antiquated plan remains in place, it will continue to degrade one of North America's great river ecosystems and increase the likelihood of further damage to the St. Lawrence River and communities that depend on it. One proposed alternative, Plan B+, would have a significant and direct positive impact on coastal wetlands, in turn, creating a river ecosystem, as well as recreation, transportation and shipping industry, that is able to thrive.

The St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands region, which contributes $445 million in tourism annually, provides world-class recreation and irreplaceable habitat for a wide range of fish and wildlife. The river is one of the great freshwater sportfishing grounds for pike, bass and muskellunge, and hosts a commercial fishery for American eel. The eel harvest has dramatically declined in recent years, due in part to dams like the Moses-Saunders and habitat destruction.

Despite growing threats from invasive species and polluted urban runoff, the St. Lawrence River still sustains a high quality of life and vital economy for residents, and is home to many fish and wildlife species, including endangered and threatened species like the lake sturgeon, Eastern sand darter and peregrine falcon. If the river's ecology is further compromised, drinking water supplies, commercial and sport fisheries, tourism revenues, and the high quality of life residents now enjoy may be diminished.

As a citizen with an interest in the health of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River, I urge the IJC to make the right decision for human and nature communities on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River by immediately implementing Plan B+. Thank you for considering my recommendation. Please notify me in writing of your decision.

Sincerely,

Dr. Marilyn Mayer
Canton, NY

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