A plan touted by environmental advocates for regulating water levels on the St. Lawrence River is picking up support locally.

The Jefferson County Legislature is likely to recommend the International Joint Commission's Bv7 plan, which would allow water levels on the river to fluctuate more. That will help protect wetlands, according to Save the River, a Clayton-based environment group.

Democratic Rep. Bill Owens, after initially declining to wade far into the issue, is likely to support the plan, his spokesman said.

"In the absence of a new concern or error raised in the public comment period, Congressman Owens anticipates supporting the proposal," Sean Magers said in an email.

Public hearings will take place in late May.

Matt Doheny, who is running for the Republican nomination to take on Mr. Owens in November, said in a news release today that he supports Bv7.

“I felt it was important to be a leader and show my support early so that river advocates know they have an ally,” Mr. Doheny said.

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