How We're Saving It!

Click for a Update !! (Round 2 Testing Results)

1978: Problem: St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation planned to quietly pass a bill through Congress to extend the St. Lawrence Seaway navigation season to year-round travel

icebreaker activity could damage shorelines and wetlands
more frequent dredging would re-distribute contaminated sediments
could increase threats of a serious shipping accident, like the 1976 Nepco140 oil spill, in the 1000 Islands

Save The River Solution: River residents began lobbying Congress and government agencies to shut down "winter navigation" as Save The River; and eventually saw the bill defeated in the early 1980’s.

A Wintery Seaway Trip

1984: Problem: Inadequate septic systems and sewage discharge from island and waterfront homes became a
major concern for the 1000 Islands.

aesthetic problems
overgrowth of aquatic vegetation
bacteria and pathogen contamination
shallow soil and small lots pose problems for septic systems

Save The River Solution: The Kingfisher Water Quality Program created a voluntary inspection program for
waterfront and island sewage treatment, and introduced use of alternatives to septic systems, such as composting
toilets and aerobic treatment systems, in suitable locations.

1987: Problem: St. Lawrence muskellunge became endangered due to overfishing and habitat losses

disruption of natural fishery
egg mortality from contaminants

Save The River Solution: The Muskie Release angler incentive program encouraged catch and release, while SUNY ESF in Syracuse, NY established Ellis International Laboratory on Governor’s Island to study and enhance muskellunge success in the St. Lawrence.

All of these programs are still a large part of Save The River’s activities on the St. Lawrence. Other projects focused on preserving the quality of our River include:

Shoalmarking (1986)
911 Location Project for Island Residents (1997)
1000 Islands Beachwatch volunteer monitoring (new in 1998)

Former Executive Director Hilary Grimes and intern Leigh McMahon take GPS readings for the 911 Location Project for island residents.

911 Location Project

Save The River’s 911 Location Project for Island Residents is in a lull...we need more islander info!
Be sure to stop in to STR, or email us striver@gisco.net with:

your island 911 address
your phone
nearest neighbor & phone
house/boathouse description
distance dock to house
access info-steep stairs, terrain, shoals, large dogs...
any medical conditions you would like rescue teams to know

Also, volunteer to help record lat/long via handheld GPS (especially if you have your own)!