Five new Peace Bridge designs were unveiled this past week for people to view and absorb as they vote on the bridge that they would like to see represent our area into the future. The original design, a monstrosity that had towers 567 feet high, was ultimately rejected by state and federal officials over concerns of terns and other migrating birds along the Niagara River corridor. And while bridge officials assured the public that the birds were given every consideration this go-round, it still may not be enough. And no one seems to be addressing how it will affect the fish.

This bridge issue has become highly politicized. Not only is a more efficient crossing bridge needed, but the design for a “signature” bridge for the area seems to be more of a priority than what affect it will have on the local environment. What impact the bridge will have on birds is certainly a concern — important enough to stop the last design in its tracks. Local birders still feel that four of the five designs could still pose a threat to some movement by our feathered friends and they encourage people to get out and vote for the lower, three arch span option that is “only” 226 feet at its highest point.

There could be a bigger concern, though, beneath the water. Four of the five bridges have abutments in the water immediately along the shoreline. It might not seem like much, but when you look at the water around the Peace Bridge, the first thing you notice is the swift current and how fast it seems to be moving. The water from the upper four Great Lakes is being funneled into the Niagara River — not really a river but a strait or a connection between two large water bodies — on its way to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Taking a closer look at how things operate in this ecosystem, the river system above the falls serves as a nursery for so many fish species. One of the biggest components involves bait fish. The Emerald Shiner can be found cruising the river shoreline in the spring and fall. Millions upon millions of these little fish cruise the river's shoreline — the path of least resistance where the current isn’t as fast. The shoreline provides an essential buffer of friction to slow the rapid water flow.

There’s no question that these fish provide an important food source for the entire Great Lakes area here. By placing these bridge abutments along the shoreline, it will undoubtedly increase the current to the outside or closer to the center of the river. Will these tiny fish be able to handle the increased flow? So little is actually known about the Emerald Shiner, its difficult to say. Not just the dynamics of their movement, but also where and when they spawn; what their population levels are; and how this will impact the future of the fishery.

In addition, what about other smaller fish, such as young of the year muskellunge that are spawned in the river? Will they be able to find their way out in the quicker currents flowing down? And, ultimately, will they survive? Losing just one component to this life cycle could affect the entire balance. And if that happens, who’s responsible? How much is that worth, should it happen? It could be gone forever.

If you missed the open house this past week, you can still head over to the Peace Bridge Board Room in Fort Erie, Ontario on Feb. 4-6 to see the designs and put your vote in. Fisheries and wildlife biologists seem to agree that the best option — if we have to choose from the five offered — is the three arch design. It is the only design that did not block the shoreline from fish migration. Let your voice be heard. If you want to vote online, head over to peacebridgex.com/comment.aspx.

2009: The safest year on record

 Last year was the 60th anniversary of hunter education in the state of New York. Sportsmen celebrated that fact by breaking a record for the least amount of hunting-related accidents ever.

In 2009, there were a total of 26 hunter-related accidents with only one fatality. The fatality occurred during the regular deer season when a hunter was climbing up into a tree stand with a loaded shotgun. It was self-inflicted and most certainly could have been avoided.

Last year’s total could be compared with the average of 66 accidents per year in the 1990s, as well as the 137 accidents per year during the 1960s. A single accident fatality only occurred three other years in the Empire State. The five-year average for fatalities is 3.2 annually.

Big game hunting accidents continue to be very low, despite the increase in rifle zones and the adoption of a youth mentoring program that allowed for 14 and 15 year olds to hunt with firearms. And while the number of hunters is declining, the accident rate per 100,000 is dropping at a much faster rate — good news that the hunter safety training in this state is working.

Deer hunting caused the most accidents, checking in with 14 for the year. Spring turkey chalked up the next highest with eight incidents in 2009.

LOTSA speakers/expo

The Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association will be holding their Salmon Spectacular Weekend February 27-28 at Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara in Lockport. The weekend kicks off with a day-long seminar with the Best Chance Too Fishing Team of Capt. Dave Engel and Capt. Bill Bale of Michigan — the top team on Lake Michigan when it comes to making it into the winners circle. They will be offering a full day clinic on salmon fishing for $65 (includes lunch and a goodie bag). To register for the seminar, go to the LOTSA website at www.lotsa.org.

On Sunday, the group will be holding their Lake Ontario Fishing Expo and Flea Market from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be seminar speakers, a sold out hall of tables and fishing gear. Admission is just $5 and all the proceeds are earmarked for the salmon pen rearing projects in Niagara and Orleans counties. It’s a win-win situation all the way around. And it comes at a time when cabin fever is running high. This is just what the doctor ordered.

Bill Hilts Jr. is a past president of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association. Contact him at bhiltsjr69@cs.com.