Assemblyman William Barclay’s explanation for now opposing Plan BV7 is that he is now better educated. He cites a special panel of the National Research Council that “scientific work done by the Commission is insufficient and does not justify the drastic changes proposed in the BV7 plan.” However, that review took place in 2006 and reviewed what at that time what was a draft for an earlier Plan B+. The report does not mention BV7.

Second, Barclay claims that, “Several environmental scientists who were involved in the IJC’s study have stated that the extreme high-water levels that will be created by the BV7 plan are not necessary to restore area wetland habitats.” Yet he does not name who these scientists are.

I suspect Barclay’s education has to do more with pressure from lake shoreline owners who build houses in flood plains and sandbars, and now expect the rest of us to subsidize their lifestyles.

We expect our elected officials to exercise leadership, not pander to a bunch of spoiled property owners who do not have the facts nor care to learn what they are. Plan BV7 is not just about saving a muskrat, but providing a host of benefits for all New Yorkers and Canadians who share the wonders of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Richard Spencer

Thousand Islands Park

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