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Friends of the Earth CANADA E-Newsletter

 

The question to support or oppose Devils Lake polarizes citizens from the two jurisdictions—78% of Manitobans oppose the outlet while 66% support it in North Dakota.  However the differences are reduced enormously when citizens are asked about precautionary steps such as referring the outlet to the International Joint Commission which resolves transboundary water disputes. Again, citizens are closer together on the question of a moratorium on operation of the outlet—with nearly nine out of ten Manitobans and over six out of ten North Dakotans supporting a moratorium until both federal governments agree the water is safe. 

 

Invasive species are high on the radar screen with 94% of Manitobans and 61% of North Dakotans agreeing that there should be no operation of Devils Lake Outlet without protection of a filter against pollution and invasive species. Read more… Media Release, Polling Report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biota Risk

 

Last year’s limited survey of biota in Devils and Stump Lakes raised more questions than it answered—while three fish parasites of potential concern were identified, more worrisome are the four blue green algae identified in Devils Lake but not found in Lake Winnipeg during studies between 1994-2004.  Not enough is known to determine whether they can adapt and populate Lake Winnipeg thereby becoming species of concern.  For more detail, read A Limited Survey of Biota in Devils and Stump Lakes, North Dokota  (Biota Survey) 

 

Safeguards Missing In Action—ask the two leaders before July 6!

 

Ten months ago Canada and the US announced “a layered system of environmental safeguards at the Devils Lake Outlet and a cooperative approach to monitoring throughout the Red River Basin”  (Read the News Press Release )   Contact Prime Minister Harper and President Bush to ask where are the safeguards against chemical and biota dangers from Devils Lake.

 

 

 

 

 

“New poll says “moratorium on Devils Lake until deemed safe by Canada & US”
Text Box: To subscribe to a free FOE e-newsletter click here To remove your name from our mailing list, please click here. Questions or comments? E-mail us at info@foecanada.org or call 1888 385 4444 Website: www.foecanada.org Text Box: VOTE! Your opinion counts on Devils Lake Outlet – go to www.stopdevilslake.com Text Box: Take action now! Text Box: Be part of the solution! There are several ways you can make a difference: Donate! Monthly Giving Charitable Gift Annuities Gifts of Stock & Securities Gifts of Property Text Box: donate

June 2006 —Issue 10
Text Box: “Friends of the Earth is reassured by the high overall level of concern for water quality in lakes and rivers expressed by poll respondents in both Manitoba and North Dakota where the poll was conducted last week,” says Beatrice Olivastri, CEO , Friends of the Earth Canada. “North Dakotan State Health officials should consider this poll as a strong indicator of concern about pollution and invasive species flowing from Devils Lake.