American Rivers
July 27, 2016
Now is the Time for Plan 2014. Protecting Our Natural Treasures Cannot Wait
In the North Country, we are fortunate to be surrounded by many ecological treasures. Protecting these gems for future generations is a job I take very seriously.
This is why I have been a strong advocate of Plan 2014 to better regulate our waters.
For the past 50 years, human-regulated water levels that were designed to benefit hydroelectric power and the shipping industry have significantly altered the natural processes of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, harming habitat diversity. American Rivers has even included the St. Lawrence on their annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.
Plan 2014 will better regulate water levels through the Moses-Saunders Power Dam as well as outline the conditions needed to change water levels and maintain the proper ecological balance. According to the International Joint Commission, “Plan 2014 will benefit ecosystem health, moderate extreme high and low levels, better maintain system-wide levels for navigation, frequentlyextend the recreational boating season and slightly increase hydropower production.”
Read the entire article here and follow Elise on Twitter and Facebook for more updates.
