Issues

The St. Lawrence River is threatened by numerous problems. Read on to learn about a few key issues facing the St. Lawrence River ecosystem.

Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive species are one of the most critical problems facing the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes. With 186 species introduced into the River and Lakes, the region's ecosystem is bending under the weight of these introduced species. Some scientists worry that the ecosystem of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River may be close to collapse because of these species.

To learn more about aquatic invasive species and Save The River's campaign to stop further introductions, visit our Clean Up the Ballast page.

Water Levels Regulation

With a massive hydropower dam blocking the River in the Massena/Cornwall region, water levels on the Upper St. Lawrence River are manually regulated. The management plan that has been in place for the past 50 years has caused significant damage to tens of thousands of acres of wetlands in the region.

To learn more about Save The River's campaign to restore more natural water levels on the River, visit our water levels page.

St. Lawrence Seaway

The St. Lawrence River is the only pathway for ships to enter the Great Lakes. Unfortunately, ships bring along a host of problems, from oils spills and accidents, to winter navigation damage, and constant threats to expand Seaway infrastructure. Save The River has been an advocate for more sustainable shipping on the River.

To learn more about Save The River's shipping-related advocacy work, visit the following pages Spills/Accidents, Winter Navigation, Navigation Study, Clean Up the Ballast Campaign.

Latest News

NY Celebrates Water Week, Should Push #Bv7Now
In a week when New York celebrates "Water Week" and the Governor holds a tourism summit, we, the thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to New York who live, play and work on the Lake and River need our governments to finish the job and implement Plan #Bv7Now. read more

If it worked in the Fifties does that mean it works now?
Well actually, NO! We’ve learned a lot since the 1950’s. And we’ve used all that “learning” to improve every aspect of our lives. So why are we still stuck with a water levels plan developed in the 50’s on a slide rule (or maybe an “analog” computer)? Its time to replace Plan 1958D with a modern water ... read more

Made in the 50’s; our water levels plan
Some things made in the Fifties still work. Many do not .  .  . like the current water levels plan. Its time for a modern plan, its time for #Bv7Now. Plan Bv7 is essential to sustaining and growing tourism along the St. Lawrence River: Our local tourism industry relies on the health of our region’s environment. Healthier Lake ... read more

Fifties Vintage Fashion? Yes! Fifties Vintage Water Policy? No! #Bv7Now
Let’s face it some things are so good they should never be changed . . . . but Plan 1958D is just not one of them. This outdated water levels regulation plan for the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario causes major environmental damage year after year. Like most policy from the Fifties, it completely ignores ... read more

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