MEDIA RELEASE

June 19, 2002

IJC Monitors Rainy Lake Flooding

On June 12, 2002, the International Joint Commission (IJC) issued a Supplementary Order authorizing its International Rainy Lake Board of Control to temporarily specify the outflows from Rainy lake, considering conditions on both Rainy Lake and on Rainy River. The objective was, as best as possible, to limit the further rise in level of Rainy Lake while, at the same time, not worsening existing flood conditions on Rainy River. As water levels in the Rainy River receded, further gates were opened at the dam at Fort Frances-International Falls. As of Friday morning, June 14, all gates were open at the dam at Fort Frances-International Falls, bringing those operations back into compliance with the standing IJC January 2001 Consolidated Order. The additional authority granted by the Commission's Supplementary Order has now ended and all gates currently remain open. The International Rainy Lake Board of Control continues to monitor closely the situation on Rainy Lake and the Rainy River.

The International Joint Commission regulates the levels of Rainy and Namakan Lakes under the 1938 Convention for Emergency Regulation of Rainy Lake and Boundary Waters in the Rainy Lake Watershed.

For more information, contact:
Frank Bevacqua IJC Washington (202) 736-9024	Fabien Lengelle IJC Ottawa (613) 995-0088
Ed Eaton International Rainy Lake Board of Control (651) 290-5617	Rick Walden International Rainy Lake Board of Control (819) 997-2529