American Rivers, a 35-year-old interest group promoting the environmental health of the nation's rivers, has listed the St. Lawrence River is the fourth most endangered river in the nation.

The designation comes as the St. Lawrence River community reels from the terrible recommendation from the International Joint Commission to ignore five years of solid analysis by proposing to adopt a water level control plan that essentially maintains the status quo. The IJC's own study process concluded that the status quo is the wrong decision.

Rep. John M. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, and state Environmental Conservation Commissioner Alexander B. "Pete" Grannis immediately amplified the dangers to the St. Lawrence pointed out by the annual ranking.

Mr. McHugh urged residents to pressure the IJC to adopt Plan B+, which benefits the environment, the economy and residents.

Mr. Grannis said "the IJC wants to continue a river management plan that artificially constrains water levels — a plan that has turned half the once vibrant wetlands bordering Lake Ontario into impenetrable cattail stands."

The IJC sponsors a public information session Wednesday in Alexandria Bay at Bonnie Castle Resort. That will be followed by a public hearing on June 25 at the same spot.

The north country must deliver a clear message to the IJC — water levels are important to our environment and the commission's failure to act is irresponsible.