Water level plan will benefit environment

I applaud the International Joint Commission. They have worked hard and thoughtfully on Plan BV7, and they got it right.

They took a balanced approach and listened to all concerned parties, most importantly the environmental community, which is the sole spokesman for all species other than man. Because of their deliberative efforts, Plan BV7 will benefit the environment and, in turn, the local economy.

This is a move beyond protection toward improvement of the natural habitats for the fish and wildlife along our shores. It will help to restore the richness and diversity of life in the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River basin.

I am proud, too, that Save the River has played an important role in bringing science to the fore and that they and sister organizations like the Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund/Canada have shown strong and united support for these efforts.

This is a positive step toward Great Lakes restoration and, as such makes a contribution to the health of the planet. May we find the will to continue on this path.

Steve Taylor

Thousand Island Park

The writer is vice president of Save the River.