IJC outlines draft new approach to managing levels and flows in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system

IJC news release November 8 2011

The International Joint Commission (IJC) today released a fact sheet outlining a draft new approach to manage water levels and flows in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River system.

The draft new approach will consider all interests – environmental, social and economic. While continuing to reduce extreme high and low water levels, the draft new approach would allow more natural level and flow patterns. This is expected to improve wetland health on Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River on a scale larger than any restoration actions taken to date. The improvements to wetlands and other habitat would provide benefits such as higher quality sportfishing, boating, bird watching and other outdoor activities. An adaptive management program would regularly monitor conditions and periodically review the management of levels and flows. This would improve the capability to adapt to future changes, including socio-economic changes and significant changes in climate. Improved communication with governments and stakeholders in the basin is also an integral component of the draft new approach.