Early navigation in ice conditions is a growing concern for Save the River. Each year the Seaway has opened earlier and earlier putting risks to the River and its communities. Risks include:
· Icebreaking and winter shipping cause significant damage to property and important wildlife habitat
· Spill response assets, such as boats and boom, are not accessible and usable due to ice conditions
· Lighted navigation aids are not in place
2008 Seaway Opening
The Seaway has set March 22nd as the opening date for the 2008 shipping season. (Read the Seaway announcement of the opening date here.) The 22nd is the second earliest opening date on the River.
To learn more about Save The River's concerns about early opening of the Seaway, read our position paper Save The River Policy Statement on Opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway Shipping Season.
For up-to-date information on icebreaking, visit the Seaway website.
2007 Opening of the Seaway
March 21st, 2007 marked the earliest Seaway opening ever. The opening date was predetermined in February and did not take into consideration the conditions on the River.Read our press release and letter to the Seaway Administrator outlining our opposition .
- Press Release: Save The River Urges Seaway Officials to Reconsider Opening Date, Defines Criteria for Opening.
Save The River is calling on River residents to voice their opposition to opening the Seaway in ice conditions.
To add your voice to the call for a safer Seaway opening policy, please write to relevant policy makers and let them know you agree with Save The River on this issue.
· Sample Letter: Supporting Save The River's postion on Seaway Opening