Annual Report 2007

 

The St. Lawrence River Research and Education Fund (SLRREF) was established as part of the Comprehensive Relicensing Settlement Agreement (Agreement) which was reached during the licensing of the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project operated by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) in Massena, New York.  Parties to the Agreement are NYPA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of State, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, St. Lawrence Aquarium and Ecological Center, Inc., New York Rivers United, and St. Lawrence Local Government Task Force.  The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support for environmental research and environmental education projects relating to the ecology of the St. Lawrence River and its surrounding environs.

 

The fund is managed by a Board which consists of representatives from NYPA, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York Rivers United, the St. Lawrence-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services, St. Lawrence County Planning Office; St. Lawrence Audubon, and a representative from a local municipality.

 

2007 Activities

 

The Board met twice in 2007.  During those meetings the Board finalized and approved the proposed by-laws, and developed and approved a proposal form, guidelines, and criteria to evaluate projects.  In addition, the Board drafted and approved procedures to be used for monitoring activities and disbursing funds.

 

The Board selected the St. Lawrence-Lewis Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) as a replacement for the St. Lawrence Aquarium and Ecological Center, Inc (Aquarium).  As a result of the dissolution of the Aquarium, there was an available seat on the Board.  The Board felt the replacement should be an organization with similar interests to the Aquarium’s.  The Board selected BOCES, an organization which develops local environmental education programs that are shared by multiple school districts.

 

An outreach campaign was launched in September with the mailing to local schools, colleges and universities of a brochure summarizing the fund and providing information on how to apply for funds.  Copies of the brochure were also posted at the NYPA’s Hawkins Point Visitor’s Center.  A press release was issued to local media.

 

Projects

 

The St. Lawrence County Water Quality Coordinating Committee (WQCC) is a consortium of several different agencies, institutions, organizations and individuals.  The WQCC submitted a proposal for $193.90 for placement of informational signs at boat launches and other water access points within St. Lawrence County to inform the public about steps they can take to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.  This proposal was approved by the Board.  The project is essentially complete; a few more signs will be put up this spring.

 

Financial Review

 

The SLRREF was established by providing the principal sum of $1,008,000 into an account with Wachovia Bank within 20 days after accepting the new license for the Project on November 25, 2003.  The income from this principal amount is to be used to fund the operation of the SLRREF including all expenses, grants and other disbursements.

 

2007 Expenditures

 

Approved Projects in 2007                                                                            $193.90

 

Fund Balance  as of December 31, 2007                                           $1,138,902.74

 

Planned 2008 Expenditures

 

In 2008, the fund will reflect interest accumulated over several years.  Typically, the amount of funding available each year is anticipated to be approximately $30,000 to $50,000.  However, the Board may approve projects exceeding $30,000 - $50,000.