MASSENA -- Several agencies will host a public meeting Sept. 25 to discuss ecosystem issues regarding the St. Lawrence River.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), St Regis Mohawk Tribe Environment Division and the St Lawrence River Restoration Council – Cornwall will host a meeting to update the public on ecosystem issues in the St. Lawrence River and tributaries in the Massena area Sept. 25, from 6:30 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. at the Massena Town Hall, 60 Main Street, Massena.

Posters that describe some of the ongoing studies about the local aquatic environment will be on display prior to the meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The meeting is open to anyone interested in the St. Lawrence, Grasse, Raquette and St. Regis rivers and the environment in the Massena area.

Stakeholders involved in the Massena Remedial Advisory Committee (RAC) over the past 25 years are encouraged to attend the public meeting for a status update on the local ecosystem.

Presenters will address the benefits of plankton populations in local rivers, as well as the draft plankton report from the Massena RAC. Comments about this report will be accepted until September 30.

In addition, presenters will talk about local research conducted by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Environment Division related to native freshwater mussels in the Massena area and address public perceptions about fish tumors.

The St. Lawrence River Restoration Council in Cornwall, Ontario will provide an update on research and corrective work being undertaken to address pollution issues in and along our shared water resource - the St. Lawrence River.

For more information about the meeting or to receive an electronic copy of the draft plankton report and supporting documents, contact Steve Litwhiler in DEC’s Region 6 Watertown office: 315-785-2252 or swlitwhi@gw.dec.state.ny.us .