June 2024

It’s all about walleyes.

The International Joint Commission last week announced that it supports the recent analysis and conclusions of the Water Levels Committee in response to ongoing high levels and flows in the system resulting from recent high precipitation.“The IJC has trust and confidence in the WLC’s decision making, and specifically regarding its decisions on outflows, which are rendered more challenging in the context of high water levels and associated impacts both upstream and downstream of the dam,” it said in a statement.On May 29, the WLC of the International Rainy-Lake of the Woods Watershed Board reported that conditions in the basin, specifically at Rainy Lake and on the Rainy River, have changed over the last few days.Taking into consideration the recently declining flows and levels downstream, as well as some precipitation in the 7-day forecast, the WLC recommended that operators return Rainy Lake to its rule curves as quickly as possible, with additional gate openings up to two gates per day.Two gate openings at the International Falls/ Fort Frances dam took place May 29.