BUFFALO, NY ­ Based on the present ice cover remaining on Lake Erie, Len Falkiner, with Environmental Canada, will issue a advisory to International Joint Commission, that the boom will not be removed by April 1st.

On March 22, 2007 a reconnaissance flight was conducted over the eastern basin of Lake Erie. Current calculations for the estimated ice coverage yielded 1,230 square miles which equates to 62% of the eastern basin.

The current International Joint Commission Order of Approval governing operation of the ice boom that requires all floating sections of the boom be opened by the first day of April unless there is more than 250 square miles (650 square kilometers) of ice in eastern Lake Erie.

The next reconnaissance flight is tentatively scheduled for Friday, March 30th.

For photos from the March 22, 2007 reconnaissance flight see the BoomDays Photo Area: http://www.boomdays.com/pics.html