Finger Lakes Group
Winter 2007 Newsletter
Sierra Water Sentinels Take Education Interest in the Finger Lakes
by Kevin Hurley
Perhaps you haven't heard of them. They're one of the most active programs on the national level of the Sierra Club and they just happen to be taking a very special interest in the Finger Lakes region. The Sierra Club Water Sentinels' mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of our natural water.
The word "dedication" doesn't even begin to sum it up. Bed-stricken with the flu, Water Sentinels' program director, Scott Dye, spent the remainder of his energy, on the phone with me, explaining just why his organization is so interested in the Finger Lakes.
"We have a very special situation in central New York. Despite many of the pollution and water quality issues that are associated with many of our aquatic bodies, the quality of the Finger Lakes remains very good."
Why is this so unique? Scott explained that while the Finger Lakes do drain through outlets, the outlets in this, essentially closed loop system, are very limited. If the lakes have a reduced ability to drain they become increasingly sensitive to what's being put into them.
Maybe his flu bug was getting the best of him, but doesn't it seem as if these two statements contradict each other? On one hand, our lakes have some of the highest water quality and on the other hand they are among some of the most sensitive to what's being put into them? How is this possible?
Well, we did say they had an interest! So who's to credit for this good news?
According to Scott, you are. The citizens of the Finger Lakes area have vigilantly protected their water for years. Their focus has been the same as our focus, Education.
"We see water quality, education and monitoring programs set up all over the region. The people of the Finger Lakes just get it! How fantastic that we not only have a region with several clean bodies of water, but the citizens are so intent about keeping it that way by involving and educating our up-and-coming generations."
The Finger Lakes are proof positive that education and action are the largest contributors to the preservation of our resources, even when the cards are stacked against us.
"I think our friends in the Finger Lakes have a lot to teach. While so many other bodies of water have suffered, the people of the Finger Lakes have done an outstanding job preserving and protecting this inherited resource. Yes, it is inherited, and with that comes the responsibility to leave a legacy. Generations to come will thank us, not because they want clean water, but because they need it!"
With your help, we can clean up our water.
Over the last 30 years, we've made great progress cleaning up our water. But the Bush Administration is threatening that ptogress, proposing that "isolated" small streams, ponds and wetlands no longer be covered under the Clean Water Act. Work with us to strengthen the Clean Water Act and its enforcement. Together we can leave our children a legacy of clean water, air and wild lands.