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Alliance for the Great Lakes ▪ Audubon New York ▪ Buffalo Audubon Society ▪ Buffalo‐Niagara Riverkeeper ▪ Citizens Campaign for the Environment ▪ Clarkson University ▪ Council of Canadians ▪ Ducks Unlimited, Inc. ▪ Ducks Unlimited Canada ▪ Environmental Defense ▪ FLOW ▪
Freshwater Future ▪ Groupe d’éducation et d’écosurveillance de l’eau ▪ International Water Levels Coalition ▪ Lake Ontario Waterkeeper ▪ Izaak Walton League of America ▪
National Parks Conservation Association ▪ National Wildlife Federation ▪ Natural Resources Defense Council ▪ The Nature Conservancy in New York ▪ Nature Quebec ▪
New York League of Conservation Voters ▪ New York State Conservation Council ▪ Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters ▪ Save The River ▪ Sierra Club ▪
Thousand Islands Land Trust ▪ Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council ▪ Trout Unlimited ▪ World Wildlife Fund Canada ▪ Central Westchester Audubon Society ▪ Delaware‐Otsego Audubon Society ▪ The Edge ▪ Four Harbors Audubon ▪ Genesee Valley Audubon Society ▪ Huntington‐Oyster Bay Audubon Society ▪ Milwaukee Riverkeeper ▪ North Shore Audubon Society ▪ Onondaga Audubon
Society ▪ Saw Mill River Audubon Society ▪ Southern Adirondack Audubon Society
July 18, 2014
The Honorable John Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Secretary Kerry:
We write to you today on an issue of fundamental importance to the economy and quality of life of the bi‐
national Lake Ontario‐St. Lawrence River watershed, and the Great Lakes region.
Since 1960, the levels of Lake Ontario and the flows of the St. Lawrence River have been regulated by a dam in
the St. Lawrence, based on pre‐computer era technology and methods. In 2001, in response to widespread
dissatisfaction with the current regulation plan, the International Joint Commission (IJC) embarked on a five‐
year, $20 million process to develop a new plan in consultation with nearly 200 representatives of the interests
affected by regulation. The IJC posed a question: Is it possible to develop a new regulation plan that is good for
the economy and outdoor recreation; that repairs some of the environmental damage caused by the stifling of
the lake’s natural ebb and flow under the current regulation plan; and that maintains the protections for
shoreline property that regulation has provided? After 13 years of exhaustive study and bi‐national consultation
with stakeholders and the general public, supported by state‐of‐the‐art simulation of the impacts of alternative
regulation plans, it is clear that the answer to this question is Yes – all of these objectives will be accomplished
by Plan 2014, which has recently been proposed by the IJC as the new regulation plan.
Plan 2014 will increase production of hydropower by the dams in the St. Lawrence River, and maintain the
benefits that regulation of the River and Lake has provided to international shipping. By restoring some of the
natural fluctuations in water levels, while avoiding extreme high and low levels, Plan 2014 will restore the plant
and animal diversity of coastal wetlands with minimal public investment and dramatically increase opportunities
for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. While there may be a small increase in the cost of maintaining break‐
walls on Lake Ontario to slow erosion, the net total value of protection for coastal property provided by Plan
2014 will top $25 million annually for the developed shoreline properties in both countries that are in close
proximity to the Lake or Upper River, or at low elevation. Plan 2014 will maintain the protections from flooding
of coastal property that current regulation has provided, as well as safeguard water quality and outdoor
recreation on the Lower River and in Montreal.
We have attached to this letter some of the expressions of growing support for Plan 2014 by thousands of
citizens and numerous organizations in the region. We urge your agency to lend its support for this once‐a‐
generation opportunity to combine sustainable shoreline management with ongoing economic benefit. If such
an opportunity is lost due to delayed implementation of Plan 2014, the next opportunity may not arise for
decades.
Sincerely,
National, regional and state/provincial organizations
Joel Brammeier President & CEO Alliance for the Great Lakes Erin Crotty Executive Director Audubon New York Loren Smith Executive Director Buffalo Audubon Society Jill Jedlicka Executive Director & Riverkeeper Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Brian Smith Associate Executive Director Citizens Campaign for the Environment Anthony G. Collins President Clarkson University Emma Lui National Water Campaigner Council of Canadians
Ducks Unlimited, Inc. David Brakhage, Director of Operations Great Lakes/Atlantic Region Ducks Unlimited Canada Mark Gloutney, Director Eastern Region Tim Gray Executive Director Environmental Defence Liz Kirkwood Executive Director FLOW Jill M. Ryan Executive Director Freshwater Future Nathalie Piedboeuf, M. Sc Biologie Directrice générale /Executive Director, G3E: Groupe d'éducation et d'écosurveillance de l'eau, Quebec
William Schebaum President International Water Levels Coalition Mark Mattson President Lake Ontario Waterkeeper Les Monostory, President NYS Division, Izaak Walton League of America Cortney Worrall Regional Director, Northeast Regional Office National Parks Conservation Association Andrew Buchsbaum Regional Executive Director National Wildlife Federation Lawrence Levine Senior Attorney, Water Program Natural Resources Defense Council Stuart F. Gruskin Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer The Nature Conservancy in New York Marc Hudon Chair, Water commission, Nature Quebec Marcia Bystryn Executive Director New York League of Conservation Voters Charles Parker President New York State Conservation Council Ron Urban Chairman NY Trout Unlimited
Matt DeMille, M.Sc. Manager, Fish and Wildlife Services Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Lee Willbanks Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper Executive Director Save The River Paul Flansburg Chair of the Great Lakes Committee Sierra Club, Atlantic Chapter Jake Tibbles Executive Director Thousand Islands Land Trust Grenetta Thomassey, PhD Program Director Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Jack Imhoff National Biologist, Director of Conservation Ecology Trout Unlimited Elizabeth Hendriks Director, Freshwater Program WWF‐Canada
Chapters and local Organizations Lisa Curtis President Central Westchester Audubon Society Andrew Mason Co‐President Delaware‐Otsego Audubon Society
Suzanne Moynihan, SSND Director The EDGE: Education Dreams for a Green Era Susan Krause President Four Harbors Audubon June Summers President Genesee Valley Audubon Society Stella Miller President Huntington – Oyster Bay Audubon Society Ivan J. Hack Jr. President, Headwaters Chapter Izaak Walton League Jill Crafton Chair, Great Lakes Committee Izaak Walton League Cheryl Nenn Riverkeeper Milwaukee Riverkeeper Jennifer Wilson‐Pines Co‐President North Shore Audubon Society Paul Richardson President Onondaga Audubon Society Anne Swaim Executive Director Saw Mill River Audubon Society Kate Kremer Great Lakes Committee Chair Rochester Regional Group, Sierra Club
Jason Goldsmith Conservation Chair Southern Adirondack Audubon Society
Attachments: Letter to Gov. Cuomo, Ducks Unlimited and other conservation and outdoor sports organizations Letter to Gov. Cuomo, New York State Conservation Council Fact Sheet, Plan 2014 Summary of Support
LEADER IN WETLANDS CONSERVATION
April 23, 2014 The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York Executive Chamber New York State Capitol Albany, New York 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: We applaud your recent focus on the importance to New York State’s economy of hunting, fishing, and other forms of wildlife recreation. Your support for outdoor recreation is well-placed – hunters and anglers contribute over $3.6 billion each year in direct trip expenses, exclusive of equipment, to the local and state economy. Hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing are integral to our quality of life as New Yorkers. We write to you today to call your attention to an issue of fundamental importance to the 14,000 members of Ducks Unlimited in New York State and the nearly 14,000 members of the organizations co-signing this letter, and to all citizens of the Great Lakes watershed. For over 50 years, the ebb and flow of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have been regulated under the increasingly restrictive rules of Plan 1958DD, which prescribes the flow of water through the Moses-Saunders Dam at Massena. This altered flow has had significant effects on our environment and local economy, since stabilizing the water levels from year to year has turned our coastal wetlands into monocultures of cattails. The damages of this restrictive regulation are clear in the declines of sentinel species such as the black tern, northern pike, and of course waterfowl. The International Joint Commission has recently proposed a new regulation plan – Plan 2014 – which restores some of the lake’s natural variability in water levels while restraining the extreme high and low levels that may lead to economic damage. Plan 2014 reflects the input and recommendations from hundreds of stakeholders; the plan does an excellent job of balancing concerns for wetlands and shoreline rebuilding, sustaining economic uses such as boating, shipping and energy development, and providing the critical framework for emulating more closely the environmental conditions that make this region so productive for fish, wildlife, and people. In particular, we note the economic benefits of the increase in hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing days that Plan 2014 will bring, which are conservatively estimated to be worth $4.0 - 9.1 million annually to the State’s economy.
2
We think that Plan 2014 will enhance the resiliency of natural shorelines, helping to protect property owners by building shorelines during occasional periods of lower levels. In our perspective, everyone wins in a compromise solution that addresses the needs of each interest. Plan 2014 provides a science-based, reasonable, and logical balance for managing water levels into the future. The International Joint Commission’s effort to develop a new regulation plan that is more environmentally and economically sound than the current plan, 1958DD, has engaged the State of New York, provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and hundreds of representatives of public and private interests during the past 11 years. Plan 2014 is the excellent result of this long and inclusive effort, and now we have a once-a-generation opportunity for sound water management into the future. To move forward, the IJC needs the support of each government, and we look to you for leadership. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, Joe Nicosia NY State Chairman Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Ron Urban Chairman, New York Trout Unlimited David R. Simmons President Onondaga County Federation of Sportmen’s Clubs David Wahl President, Lake Plains Waterfowl Association Frank Cean President Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition Les Monostory President, New York State Division Izaak Walton League of America
Phone 315-894-3302 Fax 315-894-2893 Email [email protected]
April 24, 2014 The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York Executive Chamber New York State Capitol Albany, NY 12224 Dear Governor Cuomo: Hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation are important to New York, its people and the many visitors who come here to enjoy them. We appreciate the support and emphasis you've given these areas through your plan to open New York State; and in turn, we all benefit from the $9.2 billion of direct economic activity generated that you referenced in your budget address. The International Joint Commission (IJC) is an international organization created by the Boundary Waters Treaty signed by Canada and the United States in 1909. It prevents and resolves disputes between the United States and Canada under the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty and pursues the common good of both countries as an independent and objective advisor to the two governments. The IJC has released its 2014 proposal for managing water levels and flows that will continue to contribute to the ecological health and the economic and social well-being of the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River basin. The New York State Conservation Council is now asking for your leadership in support of IJC Plan 2014 which would restore some of Lake Ontario's natural water level fluctuations that existed prior to 1958 while preventing the extreme highs and lows that caused damage. This would promote better ecological health to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence system. The State of New York, International Joint Commission, United States, Provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and about 180 representatives of public and private interests have worked for 11 years to develop Plan 2014. It is a collaborative effort that is more environmentally and economically sound than the current system. The new proposal balances concerns for economic uses such as boating, shipping and energy development with the need to restore shoreline marshes and their associated wildlife habitat. While all stakeholders will not get everything they would like, everyone will gain. It is a logical science-based proposal to managing future Lake Ontario water levels for everyone's benefit.
Governor Andrew Cuomo Page 2 April 24, 2014 For over 50 years, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River flow and levels have been regulated through the Moses-Saunders Dam at Massena by Plan 1958DD. Reduction in water level fluctuations through Plan 1958DD have caused major changes to Lake Ontario's shoreline marshes with the most significant being the undesired large stands of cattails. This restricts hunters’, anglers’ and wildlife viewers’ access. Even more important, habitat for native species of fish and wildlife has declined. For example, northern pike, an important predator and popular sport fish, show a significant decline due to loss of spawning areas. Muskrats, nature’s aquatic engineer, a valuable furbearer and important part of the complex food chain, have decreased. Black tern and waterfowl numbers also have been negatively affected by these changes. With an accepted IJC Plan 2014, associated growth in native species is conservatively estimated to add between $4 and $9 million through increased hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation. We are requesting your support for this new regulation, Plan 2014. Sincerely, NYS CONSERVATION COUNCIL, INC.
A. Charles Parker President cc Basil Seggos, Deputy Secretary for the Environment
PLAN 2014 A GREAT LAKE AND RIVER Shaped over thousands of years by the natural ebb and flow of water, the 650-mile coastline of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River constitutes the largest coastal environment in Quebec, Ontario and New York State,.
But 50 years of regulated water levels - originally designed to benefit hydroelectric power generation and shipping - have significantly altered the lake and river’s natural habitats and processes and reduced critical natural services for people. Today, the International Joint Commission (IJC) and the governments of U.S. and Canada have an historic opportunity to exercise principles of sound water management for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River – improving the resiliency of our shores, ensuring the survival of birds, mammals, and fish, and benefiting the region’s residents and businesses.
A BETTER CHOICE FOR THE FUTURE Developed with the construction of the Moses-Saunders Dam in the 1950s, the current regulation plan for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River has reduced the range of water levels to the point of causing extensive damage to coastal wetlands that perform services like filtering water, providing habitat for fish and protecting communities from floods.
A new approach that achieves a balance of benefits for all interests is currently being proposed. This new plan, called Plan 2014, was formulated over the course of ten years with the input of hundreds of stakeholder representatives and scientists from government agencies, academia, NGOs and industry in New York, Ontario, and Quebec. A diverse coalition strongly supports Plan 2014 because it will increase the overall health of coastal habitats and provide greater economic opportunities for people.
Plan 2014 will also enhance the resiliency of natural shorelines, helping to protect property owners in a changing climate.
BROAD SUPPORT
Expressions of Citizen Support Environmental, Conservation and Sportsmen
Businesses & Community Leaders
7,945 CCE petition signatures
3,065 CCE letters
1,379 The Nature Conservancy Save The
River’s petition signatures
1,082 Audubon New York petition signatures
and letters
600+ Save The River telegrams
452 comments to IJC
200 anglers and hunters to Gov. Cuomo
Coalition led by Audubon New York, Citizens
Campaign for the Environment, The Nature
Conservancy, Save The River and WWF—
Canada
Conservation groups include National Wildlife
Federation, Environmental Advocates of NY,
Onondaga Audubon Society, Izaak Walton
League
Sportsmen groups include Ducks Unlimited,
Trout Unlimited, Lakeplains Waterfowl
Association, Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition,
New York State Conservation Council
Business Council of the State of New York
Alcoa
Anthony G. Collins, President of Clarkson
University
Cornelius Murphy, Jr. Ph.D. President of
SUNY College of Environmental Science and
Forestry
15,083+ expressions of Citizen Support
42 organizations signed a letter of support
35 businesses signed a letter of support
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PLAN 2014
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Plan 2014 will replace over 50 years of water level management, which has significantly altered the
environment of the Lake and River and dramatically reduced habitat diversity. A healthy environment is
the cornerstone of our economy and prosperity. Plan 2014 will enhance the quality-of-life benefits for all
citizens of the lake and river watershed. It also will directly benefit migrating and nesting waterfowl, key
wetland habitats, and beaches and dunes, which provide millions of dollars every year in outdoor
recreation, flood control, and water filtration services.
Here are just a few indicators that signal an environment in trouble:
The Wet Meadow Northern Pike Black Terns The wet meadow is a major component
of coastal wetlands, and its status tells
us a great deal about the condition of
the wetland ecosystem as a whole.
The Northern Pike is the top predator
in coastal marshes. Their reduction
affects the entire food chain and
ecosystem.
Marsh-nesting birds like Black Terns
depend on diverse marshes
interspersed with open water for
nesting. New Yorkers spend $660
million each year on trips within the
state for wildlife viewing.
Current Regulation: -50%
Plan 2014: 40% Increase from
current conditions
Current Regulation: -70%
Plan 2014: 39% Increase from
current conditions
Current Regulation: -80%
Plan 2014: 16% Increase from
current conditions
ECONOMIC AND SHORELINE BENEFITS
The economy of the Great Lakes region depends on the health and beauty of its ecosystems. A 2007 cost-
benefit analysis by the Brookings Institution demonstrates that each dollar of restoration brings two
dollars of benefits to the economy of the Great Lakes region.
Hydropower Recreational Opportunities Shorelines Hydro-electricity production will increase
under Plan 2014. This low-cost power
supports jobs in New York State.
Healthier Lake and River wetlands will
support stronger populations of native
fish and wildlife, improving the area’s
hunting, angling, and wildlife-viewing
opportunities. The Nature Conservancy
estimates economic benefits, just from
improved wildlife recreation, of $4.0
million - $9.1 million per year.
Compared to the cost of protecting
properties from erosion under
unregulated conditions, Plan 2014 is
estimated to save property owners on
the lake $25.2 million dollars a year. This
may be $2.2 million less than current
savings, but the figure remains very
significant.
$5.3 M Every year in additional generation
$9.1 M
in increased net economic value
$25.2 M
in savings when compared to no regulation
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature (also known as World Wildlife Fund). ® “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark.
Growing Support for Plan 2014
15,083 Expressions of Citizen Support for Plan 2014
11,370 Expressions of Support for Plan 2014 in response to Citizens Campaign for the Environment 7,945 individuals signed on to CCE’s petition in support of Plan 2014 and 3,065 individuals wrote letters to Governor Cuomo and the IJC.
1,379 Individuals Signed The Nature Conservancy/ Save The River Petition In Support Of Plan 2014
This growing list of supporters wrote the International Joint Commission in support of Plan 2014.
1082 Individuals Joined Audubon New York in support of Plan 2014 1054 individuals signed on to Audubon’s letter of support and 28 individuals provided their own supportive letters.
452 Supportive Comments Submitted to the IJC As of September 25th, 2013 the IJC posted 452 comments in support of Plan 2014. As a point of comparison, only 366 comments were submitted in opposition to Plan 2014 and over 10% of these negative comments came from just one individual.
600+ Telegrams Over 600 telegrams were sent to Governor Cuomo in support of Plan 2014.
200 Hunters and Anglers Expressed Support for Plan 2014 200 anglers and hunters wrote Governor Cuomo supporting Plan 2014 because of the increased opportunities for hunting and fishing offered by this forward-thinking approach to water levels.
Business, Community Leader Support Letters
Business Council of the State of New York “The Business Council of the State of New York support the approach contained in Plan 2014 and call for its approval.”
Alcoa “We concur with others in the North Country that it is imperative a plan be adopted by the International Joint Commission that takes into account environmental considerations and the concerns of the public, while at the same time maximizing hydropower production.”
Anthony G. Collins, President of Clarkson University “We encourage the development of a planned regional approach to management of the St. Lawrence River that supports the production of renewable energy and gives full consideration of the economic, environmental, recreational and hydropower production concerns.”
Cornelius Murphy, Jr. Ph.D. President of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry “As you and others recognize, these issues- environmental considerations, public concerns regarding recreational uses and hydropower- are closely linked to the economy of this region. It therefore follows that a St. Lawrence River water level management plan should consider these concerns.”
Business, Environmental, Conservation and Sportsmen Organizations Letters of Support
Sign-On Letter of 35 Businesses Who Support of Plan 2014 This growing list includes: Admirals’ Inn, Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, Big M Market, Capt. Thomson’s, Resort, Chez Paris, Clarence Henry Coach, LLC, Clayton Guides Association, Classic Island, Tours, Chalk’s Marina & Boat Sales, Chaumont Yacht Club, Coyote Vision, Gamble Distributors, Garlock’s Lumber and Hardware, Magical Swan, Martin’s Marina & Motel, Northern Marine, Paul Norton Canvas, Riley’s by the River, River Wellness Center, Riverbank Gallery, RJ Marine, Schermerhorn Harbor, Seaway Slips & Cottage Rentals, Wagoner’s Sales & Service, The Ship Motel, Sign Man Charters, St. Lawrence Pottery, London and District Labour Council, Uncle Sam Boat Tours, Van's Motor Marine Inc. and Wright’s Marine
Sign-On Letters of 42 Environmental, Conservation and Sportsmen Organizations Who Support of Plan 2014 This growing list includes: Alliance for the Great Lakes, APT Environment, Audubon New York, Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, Buffalo Audubon Society, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Canadian Environmental Law Association, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Coalition for a Nuclear Free Great Lakes, Don't Waste Michigan, Environmental Advocates of New York, Flow for Water, Freshwater Future, Genesee Valley Audubon Society, Great Lakes United, Great Lakes Committee of the Izaak Walton League of America, Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, International Institute of Concern for Public Health, International Water Levels Coalition, Izaac Walton League of America, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, National Wildlife Federation, Nature Abounds, The Nature Conservancy, New York, Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition, The Ohio Wetlands Association, Onondaga Audubon Society, Lake Plains Waterfowl Association, New York State Conservation Council, Quinte Watershed Cleanup Inc., Royal Botanical Gardens, Sierra Club, Atlantic Chapter Great Lakes Committee, Provincial Council of Women of Ontario, Save The River – Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper, Thousand Islands Land Trust, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Trout Unlimited, New York, Ontario Nature, Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs, The Wege Foundation, Welland Riverkeepers and WWF-Canada
