River Communities Take Action to Help Save The River Clean-up Ship Ballast Tanks
As part of Save The River’s Clean Up the Ballast campaign, local governments and residents are sending a strong message to Washington this fall by supporting efforts to stop invasive species introductions into the St. Lawrence River. To date, seven River communities have passed resolutions and nearly 1,300 citizens have signed petitions that urge federal and state elected officials to clean up the main pathway for introductions – ship ballast tanks.
The following local governments have passed resolutions in support of the campaign:
Jefferson County legislatures
St. Lawrence County legislatures
Towns of Clayton
Town of Orleans
Town of Alexandria
Village of Alexandria Bay
City of Ogdensburg
St. Lawrence County Soil and Water District
Lake Ontario Fisheries Coalition
St. Lawrence County Federated Sportsmen
Throughout the summer, Save The River also circulated petitions to River residents and summer visitors, collecting nearly 1,300 signatures. Copies of the petitions and resolutions are mailed to North Country representatives in Albany and Washington.
Invasive Species Hearing
A hearing on invasive species and ballast issues was held by Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney on Monday, September 17th 11 a.m. at the Clayton Opera House. Save The River provided testimony about the damage caused by invasive species and the need for Federal and State regulation. To read Save The River's testimony click here. To view news coverage of the event visit our News Page.
Save The River Launches
Clean Up the Ballast Campaign; Endorses Petition for Ocean Vessel
Moratorium
Save The River kicked off its Clean Up the Ballast Campaign by endorsing a Great Lakes United petition calling for an immediate moratorium on ocean-going ships. The petition calls for a moratorium until strong ballast protections are in place to prevent new aquatic invasive species introductions into the River and
For more
information:
· ‘Clean Up the ballast Campaign’ launched Watertown Daily Times 4.23.07