 |
 |
 |
|
|
Please sign up for our E-mail List.
Eco-logue is published bimonthly by the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club * Join the Rochester Group by Printing out our Brochure & sending it to us.
|
Lake Ontario Water Levels by Sara Rubin
Interest in freshwater is increasing worldwide as people begin to realize that already there is not enough clean water for all those who need it. There is much discussion focusing on the Great Lakes, as they hold a large proportion of the world’s freshwater. The IJC (International Joint Commission), the Great Lakes Regional Collaborative, and Annex 2001 are all studying ways to regulate and protect Great Lakes waters. Scientists and environmentalists are putting forth ideas on how to best safeguard the Lakes. One principle often cited is the necessity of retaining the flushing and cleansing flood pulse action in natural bodies of water, which can be likened to “inhaling and exhaling.” Studies have shown that since the 1960’s, when the flood pulse action of Lake Ontario was severely reduced, plant and animal populations became static, and then suffered the declines we see today. Re-establishing the natural flood pulse cycle on Lake Ontario would allow periods, usually several years, of high water levels followed by a period of low water levels. The low water level, when the lake “exhales,” provides opportunity for a whole range of shoreline wetland plants in areas that otherwise would be dominated by only cattails. With several years of decreased water levels cattails die back and other plants of the drier “wetland meadow” grow. The increased biodiversity of plants leads to increased biodiversity of animals and to rejuvenation and health of the whole ecosystem. It has also been suggested that periods of low water can actually help rebuild eroded shoreline. Periods of low water expose more beach and allow the wind to drive the sand further inland, thus rebuilding the shoreline for when water levels again rise. It seems possible that shorelines could rebuild in many places on Lake Ontario if the flood pulse cycle is once again allowed to occur. Here in the various Lake Ontario studies we do have some control. We can influence policy makers to re-establish the natural water cycle rhythm and restore the ecosystem to more vibrant health. This would demonstrate responsible stewardship of our world-class resource, and would ultimately benefit the entire region, and even, perhaps, the whole country, in ways we probably don’t even yet realize.
|
|
Comments & questions to the webmaster may be sent to: FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com or You may also leave a message on our phone at (585) 234-1056 or write us at Sierra Club, P.O. Box 10518, Rochester, NY 14610-9998. Privacy Policy - Sierra Club |
