“INTRODUCTION: United States (U.S.) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) that addresses the potential effects, beneficial and adverse, resulting from the proposed construction and operation of a new Border Patrol Station (BPS) in the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Buffalo Sector, Wellesley Island Station Area of Responsibility (AOR), Orleans, New York. The Wellesley Island BPS is one of six stations in the Buffalo Sector and plays an integral role in support of the USBP border security mission as a primary line of defense between the border with Canada and the interior of the U.S. The Wellesley Island Station AOR encompasses 2,569 square miles, including 256 miles of shoreline and 70 miles of international border. The proposed new BPS would be a permanent facility constructed to accommodate existing staff and allow enforcement flexibility up to 75 agents, enable moderate expansion, and would replace the current BPS. The new BPS and associated supporting infrastructure would be designed for continuous operation in support of the Border Patrol Strategic Plan to gain and maintain effective control of U.S. borders. PROJECT LOCATION: The proposed new Wellesley Island BPS would be constructed in the northwestern portion of the Town of Orleans, Jefferson County, New York. The proposed location is an 18.9-acre parcel of undeveloped land along New York State Route 12 (NY-12) with waterfront access to the St. Lawrence River.”
TILT Scoping Comments for CBP Supplemental Environmental Assessment, May 20th, 2024.
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About Blind Bay
Blind Bay is an environmental treasure and has open and protected wetland areas. It has served as a long-term aquatic habitat research site monitored by the Thousand Islands Biological Station (TIBS). Blind Bay has been one of the most prolific muskellunge spawning areas in the region and has been monitored since 1990. St. Lawrence River muskellunge have experienced a significant and recent decline due to losses associated with viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS). Maintenance of high-quality spawning and nursery habitat is critical to ensuring population recovery and sustainability.
Other important fish species at the site are small and largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and bullhead; 53 fish species have been recorded at this location. In 2021, seining conducted by TIBS captured young-of-year muskellunge, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, as well as NYS endangered pugnose shiner. Other NYS Species of Concern and Species of Conservation Need in the Blind Bay record include: American eel; blackchin, blacknose, and bridle shiner; Eastern musk turtle, and map turtle.
