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Save The River

Save The River logo

Purpose

Save The River, the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper, is a grassroots, environmental advocacy group founded by Abbie Hoffman, known in the late 1970's as Barry Freed, that works with thousands of year-round and seasonal members on both the U.S. and Canadian sides of the River, to ensure that the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands region are protected for future generations. Save The River was formed in 1978 in order to protect and preserve the ecological integrity of the Upper St. Lawrence River through advocacy, education, and research. Their advocacy positions - from acting as a watchdog on St. Lawrence Seaway issues to fighting for environmentally sound water levels regulation - are based on independent science and community outreach.

Staff and Board Members

Staff Members

Lee Willbanks, Executive Director & Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper

Lee Willbanks is from Birmingham, Alabama. He attended graduate school at Syracuse University where he earned a Law Degree and Masters of Public Administration from the Maxwell School. Lee has served as chief of staff to a New York State Senator whose district included the St. Lawrence River. His career has included working as environmental counsel to an independent power producer to Cornell Cooperation Extension where he worked in youth development.

Stephanie Weiss, Assistant Director

Stephanie Weiss has a background in environmental chemistry and education, which she has drawn upon in her years here at Save The River. Stephanie is currently assistant director, focusing on policy and campaign work for the organization.

Kate Breheny, Program Manager

Kate Breheny has nearly a decade of experience coordinating Natural Resources volunteer and education programs and implementing endangered species monitoring and invasive species restoration programs in the Golden Gate National Parks in San Francisco, CA. She joined the Save The River team as Program Manager in the Fall of 2011. .

Linda Wright, Bookkeeper

Linda first joined Save the River as our volunteer bookkeeper from 1999-2002, returning in 2005 as a part-time employee. She has worked in both the for-profit and not-for profit sectors and she has a Bachelor's degree in Math from the University of New Hampshire.

Bridget Wright, Office Manager/Development Assistant

Bridget Wright has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and she later worked as Development Director for Shared Marketing Services in Chicago. In 2006 Bridget relocated permanently to the St. Lawrence River Valley to be near family. She joined the staff at Save the River in 2010.

Board Members

Bill Grater - President

Bill and his wife, Diane, to Clayton in 1992 where he designs houses on the River; focusing his efforts on planning and site design in order to preserve the natural habitat and to protect water resources. Bill has been a board member for Save the River since 1996.

Steve Taylor - Vice President

Steve Taylor is one of the founding members of Save The River. Steve has served on the boards of various non-profit organizations including the board of the Minna Anthony Nature Center on Wellesley Island.

Jeff Garnsey - Secretary

Jeff Garnsey recently moved back to Clayton after retiring. A former Master Chief Petty Officer with the United States Navy with 26 years in the Submarine Service, Jeff serves on the Boards of Directors for the Thousand Islands Museum and the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce. He is the Director of the Muskie Hall of Fame and he also does volunteer work for the Antique Boat Museum. Jeff owns Garnsey’s Classic Island Cruises and operates the Muskie which provides fishing, wine & cheese cruises, and educational tours of the river.

Fred Morey - Treasurer

Fred has spent his entire career in health care finance and he is a summer resident of Clayton where he has been a board member for Save the River since 2002.

Teddy McNally - Immediate Past President

Teddy McNally was previously Secretary of the Board of Directors for Save the River, and Vice President of Corporate Relations for Rand McNally. He is currently active in many local organizations including The Antique Boat Museum and Thousand Islands Safe Boating Association.

Policy Initiatives

Save The River takes an active role in River policy issues. Over the years, Save The River has fought to stop winter navigation, expansion of the St. Lawrence Seaway infrastructure, pressed for better spill response planning and sought public accounting of shipping accidents, and campaigned for better water levels management.

In 2004, Save The River was designated the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper and is a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance. Its tenacity as the regions only environmental watchdog group, Save the River for 35 years has been a friend to the local community sponsoring a yearly River Run, local concerts, and fund raising drives.

A new plan to manage water levels on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario

50 years of human-regulated water levels have significantly altered the lake and river’s natural processes and reduced habitat diversity. Today, the International Joint Commission (IJC) and the governments of U.S. and Canada have an historic opportunity to exercise principles of sound water management for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River - ensuring the survival of birds, mammals, and fish, and enriching the lives of human residents.

Save The River supports the IJC’s proposed Plan Bv7 as it will increase the overall health of coastal habitats, provide greater economic opportunities for industry and will continue to provide protection for shoreline property owners from erosion and flooding. Clean Up the Ballast Campaign- More than 186 aquatic invasive species have been documented in the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence River system.  Save The River's Clean-Up the Ballast Campaign is focused on stopping the introduction of aquatic invasive species by tackling the primary source - ship ballast tanks.

Save The River has been advocating at the federal and state level for stringent ballast regulations for all ships transiting the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence River. Save The River has also joined the call for an immediate moratorium on salties until strong ballast protections are in place to prevent new aquatic invasive species introductions. The opportunity exists for Save The River to work with local governments, other not-for-profits and property owners to identify resources and methods to deal with aquatic invasive species in environmentally responsible ways.

Winter Navigation

Save The River was formed in 1978 to fight proposals for year-round navigation on the St. Lawrence River. Although fierce public opposition caused the proposal to be withdrawn, Save The River is very concerned about early opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in ice conditions. Risks of shipping in ice conditions include: ice breaking and winter shipping can cause significant damage to property and important wildlife habitat; spill response assets, such as boats and booms, are not accessible or usable due to ice conditions; and lighted navigation aids are not in place, raising concerns about the safe passage of ships. Save The River opposes a longer shipping season because of the dangers posed to the delicate ecosystem of the River, and seeks to promote an opening policy that will adequately protect the River.

Seaway Expansion

Over the years there have been discussions and studies conducted about expanding the Seaway to accommodate movement of larger shipping vessels. Expanding the Seaway would mean the destruction of miles of fragile habitat, re-suspension of polluted sediments and could accelerate the introduction of invasive species into the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.The Army Corps of Engineers’ most recent report, issued in 2007, fell short of formally removing expansion options from further study. Save The River continues to monitor the status of Seaway studies to be sure that no further proposals for expansion of its infrastructure are brought forward.Adequate

Emergency Response Planning

A spill from one of the many ships passing by each day would have devastating impacts on the River environment and the local economies dependent on it. Save The River has taken a strong lead, along with local elected officials, and is working with state and federal agencies to ensure that the resources needed to respond are up-to-date and readily available and that any shipping accidents are thoroughly investigated.

Energy Production in and near the River

The St. Lawrence River has been used to provide power to local communities and far away cities in the U.S. and Canada for hundreds of years. The River serves as a major power producer through the Moses-Saunders hydro power dam. As both the U.S. and Canada search for renewable sources of energy, pressure on the St. Lawrence River and surrounding lands to host additional power facilities has increased. The region is currently the focus of proposals for significant wind energy production. Save The River is deeply concerned about the impacts of global warming, but it is also concerned that proposed power projects in the region are not being carefully evaluated and has proposed thorough study of the cumulative impacts of proposed projects.

Programs

In the Schools and On the Water

In 2009, Save The River launched a partnership with area schools districts to bring the St.Lawrence River to the classroom, educating area school children about the St.Lawrence River, its fragility and the importance of its protection. In the 2011– 2012 school year over 1,000 students from 12 schools participated, with over 800 able to have an on the water experience. Save The River plans to continue to grow this program to reach students in every school district along the River in the US and Canada.

Riverkeeper Monitoring Program

Save The River’s Riverkeeper Volunteer Program trains volunteers to be its eyes and ears on the River, by teaching techniques for assessing River health and identifying potential pollution problems. Riverkeeper volunteers are trained to keep an eye out for pollution, wildlife die-offs and subtle changes in the River ecosystem that can indicate changes in River health. Volunteers also learn how to assess pollution problems and how to effectively report these problems to the proper authorities.The opportunity exists for Save The River to develop programs, in conjunction with marinas and others, to educate recreational boaters and others who use the River on environmentally sound practices.

Beach Watch

Since 1999, Save The River's Beach Watch program has monitored swimming water quality at several popular swimming areas along the River.Volunteers collect samples for nine weeks in July and August. All samples are taken to a state-certified lab for testing. Results are posted weekly at the Save The River office, Facebook, Twitter and on the mobile app “The Swim Guide”.

Catch and Release

In the late 1980s, anglers, researchers and Save The River teamed up to encourage the catch and release of muskies, in an effort to stabilize and promote growth in the species. Since 1987, fishing guides and anglers have caught and released more than 1,000 muskies. Replacing large adults back into the River has helped to strengthen the remaining muskie population. Save The River, the SUNY ESF Thousand Islands Biological Station,and local fishing guides offer a limited edition print to anglers who have caught-and-released a legal sized muskie. Beginning with 2013 season, Save The River in partnership with local fishing guides and local organizations will expand its Catch and Release program to bass, in a continuing effort to increase sustainable fishing practices to other valuable species.

Shoal marking

In partnership with the Thousand Islands Association, Save The River volunteers adopt and place markers on some of the most dangerous shoals on the River. The program’s primary goal is to heighten boaters’ awareness of the importance of careful navigation throughout the Thousand Islands region.

Monitor and Work to Restore Common Tern Populations

Common Terns were once abundant throughout the St. Lawrence River Valley. However, populations of these graceful waterbirds with their distinctive call have dropped to dramatically low levels due to loss of nesting habitat, resulting in Common Terns being listed as a 'threatened' species in New York State. Each year Save The River teams up with the Thousand Islands Land Trust, Dr. Lee Harper of the St. Lawrence Bird Observatory, and numerous volunteers to monitor Common Tern nesting grounds on the River. Data gathered is critical to scientists studying common tern populations and is used to guide habitat restoration efforts.

Water Quality Monitoring

Inspection of Individual Septic Systems; Reporting of Combined Sewer Overflows;Sediment and Nutrient Loading – Over the years Save The River has undertaken various activities to monitor and improve water quality in the St. Lawrence. An early,now discontinued effort, provided assistance to home / cottage owners along the River in assessing whether or not their septic system was working properly and offering advice on corrective action if it was not. Currently Save The River receives and posts reports of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) from the Village of Clayton.

History

Early in 1978 the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation alerted local residents to a plan being developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers designed to “demonstrate” the feasibility of year-round ship travel in the St. Lawrence Seaway. The increased frequency of dredging, erosive action of broken ice on shorelines, and the likelihood of serious shipping accidents like the Nepco 140 300,000 gallon crude oil spill in 1976 however had raised fierce opposition in the River community.

Led by Fineview residents Barry Freed and Johanna Lawrenson, 500 people expressed their outrage at a Corps of Engineers public meeting in August, out of which was born the Save The River organization. President Joseph Recupero, Vice-President Barry Freed, Allan Newell, “T” Menkel, and Shirley Carpenter, Carol Amsterdam, and Patty Lashomb would head the first 'steering' committee later in the year.

In 1979 the Dept. of Environmental Conservation Environmental Impact Study on the effects of the winter navigation “demonstration” on the St. Lawrence environment finds significant and negative impacts to fish and wildlife, habitat, and winter recreation.

Enlisting the support of New York Governor Hugh Carey, Save The River testifies against winter navigation before four Congressional Committees. STR persuades Senator D. Patrick Moynihan to hold a Senate hearing on year round navigation in Alexandria Bay. Before a standing-room only crowd, Senator Moynihan declares that winter navigation will not happen on “his watch”.

In 1981, under direction of Executive Director Karen Lago, Save The River, hosts the first annual “River Jamboree” and “RiverSavers Conference”, with a concert featuring Pete Seeger, speakers, and a “River Illumination” ceremony.

While in 1982 winter navigation lost popularity in Congress, the Army Corps of Engineers moves forward with a related proposal to build additional locks to accommodate larger vessels and to facilitate year round shipping. Under President Allan Newell, STR continues to lobby Congress in order to block the project.

In 1983, Barry and Johanna urge STR to take part in the nationwide outcry against shipment of nuclear waste. Learning that spent nuclear fuel is being quietly trucked over the 1000 Islands Bridge without adequate emergency preparedness, STR organizes a candlelight vigil that stretches from US Customs on Hill Island to the Pennsylvania state line, lining Interstate 81 overpasses with concerned citizens and organizations.

1984 saw President Rick Spencer and Executive Director Tim Eder present STR opposition to winter navigation at another Congressional hearing, citing environmental, economic, and engineering hazards. Congress approves the “death” of winter navigation, but Mr. Eder cautions the membership that it could revive someday as long as Seaway shipping remains a viable trade option. Later, the Kingfisher Survey of water quality reveals mounting evidence of raw sewage discharge and inadequate treatment in many island and waterfront septic systems on the St. Lawrence. The results compel Save The River, led by water quality Task Force chairperson Frances Purcell, to create a monitoring and awareness campaign: the Kingfisher Water Quality Program. Save The River assists NY State DEC Wildlife Pathologist Ward Stone with collection of River turtles for toxin analysis, finding PCB concentrations at 39.8 ppm in the fatty tissues of a Hammond specimen and 139 ppm in a Clayton turtle.

In 1985, Save The River's Ogdensburg "chapter" throws an early spring Riverfest Fundraiser, organized by Tom Duffy and other members, with environmental speakers, kids' activities, an ice dive, and Hercules the Heron himself. Johanna Lawrenson and Abbie Hoffman lead a team of great committee chairs that summer, and Save The River hosts the arrival of a GREENPEACE ship in Clayton; a St. Lawrence River Row led by Annie Gefell; and Jump Into Water Quality/River Day celebrations while maintaining vigils on nuclear shipments, water quality and winter navigation.

In 1986 Treasurer Bill Danforth boosts STR with a new proposal: volunteer marking of underwater shoals. The Thousand Islands Association Canadian shoalmarking program, led by Bill Hale and Susie Smith, provides the concept and the US Coast Guard provides permission; members are ready to provide the financial and voluntary support needed to promote safer boating.

Then in 1987, STR begins advocating for the Muskie. President Bill Danforth and the STR Board help SUNY ESF raise funds to update their Governor’s Island fish lab, to study the decline of St. Lawrence muskellunge due to overfishing, toxic contamination, and habitat loss. STR responds to grad student Steve LaPan’s plea for preservation of the fish with an angler incentive program for catch and release. Ande Monofilament Line, FISH, Inc., and guides Rich Clarke and Jack Stopper help Mr. LaPan and member Rick Gregware establish muskie catch and release guidelines and affadavits; River artist Mike Ringer donates the popular Muskie Release print to lure participants to the program.

STR's Shoalmarking initiative, co-chaired by Susie Smith and Hunter Grimes, was also in full swing with $13,000 raised and 50 markers installed in the first year. The program is supported by contributions from: Chalk’s, French Bay, and Schermerhorn’s Marina; Key, Jefferson National, and Chase Lincoln Bank; Barry Chalk, Bill Hale, Bill & Cheryl Bryant, Dick Munro, Tom Mundt, Alan Newell, Tom Sebastian, and numerous other volunteers to drill the shoals, install the chains, and attach the orange and white buoys for the boating season.

Low spring and summer water levels however give rise to boating problems, prompting Save The River to lobby the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control for reduced flows to ensure dock and marina access for the 1000 Islands through the late summer. Shoreline property owners Bea Schermerhorn, John Spence, and Sue Smith form the Water Levels Alert Committee.

1988 sees the actualization of The Kingfisher Water Quality Program, funded by grants from NY State Coastal Resources and EJ Noble Foundation, arms trained “sewage surveyors” with shovels, stir-sticks, non-toxic dye, and information to inspect private septic systems in the island and waterfront communities. Septic system surveys soon become one of STR’s most recognized and utilized services to ensure a cleaner river.

Zebra mussels colonize the Great Lakes system after being introduced by discharge of European freshwater ballast. Extremely fast multipliers and thorough filter feeders, the mussels have an immediate, detrimental impact on boating, municipal water supplies, and freshwater clams. When their presence is linked to vast water clarity improvements and aquatic vegetation growth, River residents wonder about their long-term effects on the ecosystem. STR, under the executive directorship of Laurie Marr, researches the exotic species for the 1000 Islands community.

At this time, St. Lawrence swamps are increasingly valued as viable wetland habitat and important nurseries for the fishery; while nationally, wetlands disappear at a rapid rate due to filling, dredging, and development. In response, STR creates a Wetlands Committee to monitor local, state and federal regulation and conservation projects.

In 1989, Save the River lost its founder, Barry Freed/Abbie Hoffman(1936-1989). Mr. Hoffman is awarded the bronze RiverSaver Award posthumously for defending the River against winter navigation.

That year also saw the first annual Winter Environmental Weekend which is held to showcase STR programs and provide a River forum: Seaway/Great Lakes pilots legislation changes, and Dr. Ward Stone’s investigation into toxic chemical contamination of water and wildlife in the Massena industrial area.

In 1991, STR inspectors perform 208 “sewage surveys”, with only 37 failing systems. The popular septic system inspections are funded by EJ Noble and Coors grants. New President Bud Ames is an experienced sewage surveyor.

Capt. Larry Hickey of the Seaway Pilots Association warns Winter Environmental Weekend attendees in 1993 that another major oil spill is inevitable; STR’s renewed concern for Seaway safety wins the organization a seat on a US Coast Guard-headed committee to create an emergency oil spill response plan for the St. Lawrence River. Executive Director Laurie Marr participates in an in-the-water disaster drill held in Alexandria Bay by the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.

The success of a year-long “capital campaign” in 1994, chaired by Tony Menkel, Andrew McNally III, Dick Munro and Ken Deedy, allows STR to purchase its historic Riverside Drive, Clayton location from owners Bill and Sissy Danforth.

Concerned about Canadian vessel immunity to US navigation laws, use of single-hulled tankers on the St. Lawrence Seaway, and transfer of authority of Seaway pilots from the Coast Guard to the Seaway Development Corporation, STR requests a public hearing with the US Dept. of Transportation; but they are denied.

Also in 1994, St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. Administrator Gail McDonald gets a first-hand look at the potential impact of water levels control and shipping accidents to the 1000 Islands, while touring with President Tricia Tague, Governor’s Island research coordinator John Farrell, and several other STR board members.

Results of a 1996 membership survey reveal that Save The River members are most concerned with boater safety issues, the state of the St. Lawrence fishery, over development, and safety and environmental compliance of Seaway shipping.

New Executive Director Hilary Grimes investigates several ship steering failures, groundings, and disabling incidents in the 1000 Islands section of the Seaway—even gets "air time" with Seaway spokeswoman Rhonda Worden on site of the Canadian Mariner!

The Ice Storm of ‘98 forced the cancellation of the Winter Environmental Weekend, and shut down the 1000 Islands community for weeks. The 1000 Islands residents band together, opening their homes, setting up shelters, and donating necessities for those who suffered from damaged homes and lack of power. The ice radically transformed the St. Lawrence treeline, killing thousands of trees and creating impenetrable chaos in forested areas. Spring water levels are high and flows are fast, causing the early-opened Seaway to delay ships several times for safety reasons. The Canadian Seaway Authority threatens to sue the International Joint Commission for lost traffic.

Save The River begins 1000 Islands Beach watch, a volunteer monitoring project for local swimming areas funded by the Sweetgrass Foundation. Preliminary monitoring results show very low to non-existent pollution-related nutrient levels, but evidence of coliform bacteria in five 1000 Islands "beaches". President Peter Ladd and directors Frank Cole, Bill Hale, and Ann Ward are just a few of the volunteers who participate. Several volunteers progress on the 911 Location Project with latitude and longitude readings, as well as dock access information, completed for several island communities including Murray, Grenell, and Round Is.

Save The River hits the water with a donation of a 1969 Starcraft I/O from generous member Peg McEwen. The boat, once owned by her late husband and Save The River supporter Bob McEwen, is put to good use installing shoal markers, making sewage survey visits, investigating water quality concerns, and carrying out 911 and Beach watch efforts. River residents will soon know it well, with trademark "Save The River!" stickers blazing along its sides, a donation from Board member Bud Ames.

A shipwreck haunts the 1000 Islands community as bubbling oil in the Alex Bay area result in a Coast Guard investigation of the 1974 wreck Roy Jodrey. Save The River monitors the diving and subsequent salvage of eight 55-gallon drums of oil from the swift, deep water above the vessel, just off the Coast Guard station.

At the first November state of the St. Lawrence fishery workshop in Cape Vincent, sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sea Grant, and which was attended by a crowd of regulatory agencies and concerned anglers, Save The River presents the results of eleven years of data representing St. Lawrence Muskellunge angling success. With over four-hundred fish released, the Muskie Release program proves that catch and release is an easy, effective management tool for a declining sport fishery.