CANTON -- St. Lawrence County’s operations committee is supporting a proposed water plan that would regulate flows and levels on the St. Lawrence River.

The committee approved a resolution of support for the plan Monday. Legislators said the plan would return the St. Lawrence River to “more natural year to year variations that would benefit wildlife and create more recreational opportunities.

“The health of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River is paramount to the economy of St. Lawrence County, contributing to industries including tourism, commercial and recreational fishing, shipping, recreational boating, and hydropower generation,” the resolution says. “Water levels and flow rates in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are managed by the International Joint Commission, using a plan ("Plan 1958D") that has not been updated in over 50 years.”

Committee members agree that the current has proven inadequate to address changing conditions, requiring frequent deviations attempting to stabilize the lakes and the river.

The International Joint Commission has conducted a 10-year process at a cost of over $20 million to develop a new plan that addresses the concerns of stakeholders throughout New York State.

Committee members say the proposal known as "Plan 20 14" “will benefit ecosystem health, moderate extreme high and low levels, better maintain system-wide levels for navigation, frequently extend the recreational boating season and slightly increase hydropower production.”

Several municipalities and local environmental advocacy group, Save The River, have supported the plan.

View the plan here.