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Contacts: Garrett Russo, Press Secretary, American Rivers, (202) 423-9494 Jennifer Caddick, Save the River, Upper St. Lawrence
Riverkeeper, (315) 686-2010 http://www.americanrivers.org/StLawrence St. Lawrence among America’s Most Endangered Rivers Ancient Management Plans Threaten Iconic Waterway Washington (April 17, 2008) —Tens of millions of people in two
countries depend everyday on the St. Lawrence River. The health and vitality of
this iconic North American waterway is tarnished due to outdated management
plans of the Moses-Saunders Dam that date back to the Eisenhower
Administration. Under these policies, the river that supplies drinking water to
large sections of the United States and Canada is experiencing degradation
undreamed of 50 years ago. It’s no wonder the St. Lawrence River has been
named one of America’s Most Endangered
Rivers. “The
St. Lawrence River has been held hostage by the Moses-Saunders Dam since 1958,
or 9 years before the advent of color television” said Rebecca Wodder,
President of American Rivers. “It’s time for new ideas that benefit
the millions of people who depend on the river.” Constructed
in 1958 to harness hydropower and aid commercial navigation on the St. Lawrence
River, the Moses-Saunders Dam controls water levels on the river and Lake
Ontario. However, the dam was built in a bygone era, where environmental
impacts weren’t taken into consideration. 50 years later new ideas and
new science shows that the river’s health can be significantly improved,
while continuing to serve commercial interests. “The
economics surrounding the river extend far beyond just shipping and
hydropower,” said Jennifer Caddick, Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper and
Save The River Executive Director. “Hundreds of millions of dollars are
pumped into local economies every year by recreational activities: activities
that are slowly being strangled by the Moses-Saunders Dam” Water level
management plans for the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are set by the
International Joint Commission (IJC). Both the United States and Canada have
equal representation on the 6 member panel. After half a century, the antiquated
management plan for the dam is up for revision. Research conducted by more than
180 scientists from both countries discovered that the current plan,
which severely limits natural water level fluctuations, has significantly
reduced the diversity of plant species in river wetlands, which in turn has
impacted populations of many fish and other wildlife. However, these conditions
can be reversed by allowing the river to have a more natural flow. Such a plan
is currently before the IJC; it is known as Plan B+. “This
should be an easy choice for the IJC, because it isn’t an either or
decision,” added Wodder. “Communities up and down the banks of the
St. Lawrence can have a healthy, thriving St. Lawrence River, and business
interests can thrive as well. Plan B+ is a win-win for everyone.” Plan B+ is
widely supported by federal and state agencies, such as the United States Fish
and Wildlife
Service, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Environment Canada, and the New York
Departments of Environmental Conservation and State, as well as numerous
scientists, environmental groups, and federal, state and local lawmakers. The
IJC will be accepting public comments this spring. “As the
IJC considers yet another round of public comment, we will be working closely
with our allies, particularly Congressman John McHugh who has been a leader on
this issue, to ensure that the IJC fulfils its responsibility to protect the
environment and local communities.” The new and
difficult challenges presented by global warming make the immediate
implementation of Plan B+ all the more imperative. Warmer water temperatures,
more frequent floods and lower water levels could threaten water supply, water
quality, shipping, recreation and wildlife in the watershed. This plan will increase
community resiliency and best allow both business and the environment adapt to
the coming changes. “The
Great Lakes are home to almost 25 percent of the world’s fresh
water,” added Wodder. “Given all we know about the coming impacts
of global warming, we simply can’t afford to be destroying the St.
Lawrence River and watershed.” About America’s Most Endangered Rivers™ Each year,
American Rivers solicits nominations from thousands of river groups,
environmental organizations, outdoor clubs, local governments, and taxpayer
watchdogs for the America’s Most Endangered Rivers report. The report
highlights the rivers facing the most uncertain futures rather than those
suffering from the worst chronic problems. The report presents alternatives to proposals
that would damage rivers, identifies those who make the crucial decisions, and
points out opportunities for the public to take action on behalf of each listed
river. The
America’s Most Endangered Rivers Report results in thousands of
supporters taking action on behalf of their beloved river. Such action produces
immediate and tangible result. To see success stories visit www.americanrivers.org/MERSuccesses Interviews Rebecca Wodder is available for interview, both pre and post embargo. Our
offices are just blocks away from all major news bureaus. Please contact
Garrett Russo (202) 423-9494 for booking. The full report is available at http://www.americanrivers.org/MERPressroom Reporters wishing to direct readers to the report online may use the
following link*: http://www.americanrivers.org/StLawrence *This link will not be live until 17 April 2008 12:01AM EDT ******************************* Jennifer J. Caddick Executive Director, Save The River Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper 409 Riverside Drive Clayton, NY 13624 Phone: (315) 686-2010 Cell: (315) 767-2802 Fax: (315) 686-3632 |