OCR Text |
Show Optimal biological productivity is paramount to a sustained " healthy" ecosystem. This should be the goal of salinity management of the lake regardless of the degree of impact this might have on industry and commercial development. Industry has shown ingenuity in adjusting to changing lake conditions and will continue to do so. They were astute to take advantage of the salinity imbalance that has occurred but DNR should not limit their latitude to restore the lake's natural functioning because a handful of entities are reliant on lake conditions remaining static. There is a lack of detail in the draft plan regarding this alternative. Segmenting the lake into two separate arms has disrupted the natural functioning of the ecosystem. Human manipulation through creation of the northern railroad causeway now threatens one of the most critical links in this food web. We need to recognize the error of our previous actions and undo them because we are responsible for maintaining the food web of this globally important ecosystem. What would be the benefit to the public trust of maintaining separate and distinct salinity levels in particular areas of the lake? A few industries may benefit in the short- term, but the more the natural salinity dynamics of the lake are altered, the less the system will be able to maintain future viability. What is the commodity benefit of maintaining separate and distinct salinity levels in particular areas of the lake? The objective of this alternative needs to be stated. Actions that serve to separate one part or attribute from others, or which constrain, impede or alter the nature of dynamic processes or conditions should be avoided or corrected. Basic lake attributes should be protected ( chemical composition, salinity levels, water circulation patterns, extent of the flood plain and natural vegetation). Activities or conditions that would alter these attributes on a short- or long- term basis should be prohibited. Where activities already exist they should be modified to protect or restore these basic attributes. The salinity imbalance in the lake is well beyond the " disparity threat." It is a " serious threat to ecosystem health in the lake." This is a crisis/ emergency situation and should be restated to capture the full nature of the problem. The alternatives are not forceful enough to respond to the acknowledged salinity and ecosystem crisis. Alternatives A and B have elements that should be pursued to resolve this difference in salinity and protect the ecosystem. Studies indicate that merely an improvement in the operations of the causeway culverts will not resolve the more serious problem of this salinity crisis, but only help slow the deterioration of the salinity imbalance and continue to damage the ecosystem. 286 |