The following was sent to Dr. Pierre Baril, Canadian Chair and Commissioner, International Joint Commission, Ottawa
Re: Considerations of the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board
On behalf of the Friends of Hoople Creek Society, I am writing to express our sincere appreciation for the efforts of the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board and the International Joint Commission in stabilizing water levels in Lake St. Lawrence.
In January 2020, we wrote to your predecessor, Mr. Pierre Béland, outlining serious concerns regarding persistently low water levels in Lake St. Lawrence, particularly in the Hoople Bay area near Ingleside, Ontario. At that time, we submitted a petition containing over 1,000 signatures requesting improved management of local water levels. Personally, I had been researching, raising concerns, and engaging in discussions about the low water conditions upstream of the Cornwall Dam since 2018.
Through consultation with various expert agencies, we came to understand the rationale for increased outflows through the control dams, particularly in response to above-average Lake Ontario levels and the need to mitigate potential flooding. Nevertheless, the consequences locally were severe. Traditional bays and inlets ran dry, significantly impacting fish habitat. Wintering areas for catfish and spawning beds for other species were left exposed. We were equally concerned about the effects on minnows, crayfish, turtles, and other aquatic life that depend on stable winter water levels for survival.
Today, however, we are writing simply to say: Thank you.
Over the past several years, water levels have become noticeably more consistent. We have observed coordinated efforts on both sides of the border to utilize dam operations in a manner that better stabilizes local conditions. While some fluctuation remains — as is natural and expected — it has not approached the extreme low-water conditions experienced in 2020, when large areas of bay bottom were exposed.
We are particularly encouraged by ecological indicators of recovery. A successful walleye spawn in Hoople Creek has resulted in a strong presence of 6-inch to 10-inch fish being caught by local anglers this past summer and continuing into the winter months. Based on their size, we estimate these fish to be two to three years old, suggesting that recent spawning cycles have been successful. This is especially meaningful given the demonstrated economic importance of recreational fishing to communities in both Ontario and New York State.
Most recently, during our Ice Fishing Derby February 14, walleye were caught for the first time in five years. This was an exciting and hopeful milestone for our community.
We recognize that balancing the interests of shoreline residents, the shipping industry, recreational boaters, environmental stakeholders, and flood control is a complex responsibility. It is evident that the Board has worked diligently to consider these diverse perspectives.
For that, we extend our sincere gratitude and encourage you to maintain this thoughtful course.
John Sliter, President
Friends of Hoople Creek Society
Ingleside
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