Hearings planned on proposed Lake Ontario marine sanctuary

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWNY) - Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent is one of nine lighthouses within a proposed marine sanctuary that would also encompass 21 known shipwrecks and one downed military aircraft.

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is holding hearings this week on designating a 1,700-square-mile sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario that borders Jefferson, Oswego, Cayuga, and Wayne counties.

Besides the known wrecks are 47 ships and two airplanes that, based on historical records, are likely inside the proposed area.

The idea, NOAA officials say, is to boost tourism and recreation as well as provide opportunities for research.

The public hearings will be in Serling, N.Y. on Monday, Lyons, N.Y. on Tuesday, Oswego on Wednesday, and in Watertown on Thursday.

Watertown’s hearing will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Jules Center at Jefferson Community College.

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