Overview of the Region
The Jefferson - St. Lawrence region consists of 680 miles of shoreline along both Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River; the longest shoreline of the five CLEAR regions. The US-Canada border forms the northern boundary of each County and includes border crossings at Cape Vincent (via ferry), Wellesley Island, Ogdensburg, and Massena.
The iconic Thousand Islands region and majestic sunsets of the eastern Lake Ontario Shoreline distinguish this region’s shoreline. Furthermore, the region benefits from unique tourism opportunities with access to several large metropolitan regions within a day’s drive. Many economic opportunities are presented by the border with Canada, as well as the region’s access to some of the best clean waterfront resources in the Northeast and incomparable four-season recreational opportunities. With the combination of a much sought-after quality of life, abundant natural resources, and entrepreneurial and talented people, the North Country is situated to become a leader in resiliency efforts across the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence region. In doing so, the region has the capacity to significantly contribute to resilient local and regional economies and help maintain the Empire State’s role as a global leader.
Jefferson County shoreline communities consist of six villages and nine townships. The county shoreline follows Lake Ontario on the west, and the St. Lawrence River on the north. The Thousand Islands Bridge system acts as a gateway to the county, spanning the St. Lawrence River at Collins Landing near Alexandria Bay to Wellesley Island and ultimately the Canadian border at Hill Island and the mainland Ontario at Selton. Jefferson County’s 442 miles of shoreline along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River is interspersed with steep bluffs, bays, points, ponds, and islands (e.g., Chaumont Bay, North and South Colwell Pond, Stony Island, and the Thousand Islands). There are numerous tributaries that are also scattered along the shoreline, ranging in sizes from the Black River to Cranberry Creek. The shoreline is characterized by a variety of natural features (e.g., sandy/coarse beaches, bedrock, bluffs, and wetlands) and artificial features (e.g., seawalls, rip rap, and bluff stabilization).
St. Lawrence County shoreline communities consist of two villages, one unincorporated community, seven townships, and one city. The county shoreline follows the St. Lawrence River, beginning upriver in the west with the Town of Hammond and extending down river to the east at the Town of Massena. The Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge (NYS Route 812) spans the St. Lawrence River northeast of Ogdensburg at Chimney Point connecting the US to Canada at Johnstown, Ontario. Water flow along the St. Lawrence River within the county is controlled by the Moses-Saunders Hydro Dam at St. Lawrence State Park between near Massena and Cornwall, Ontario. The county’s 238 miles of shoreline along the St. Lawrence River is interspersed with bays, inlets, and islands. The shoreline is characterized by a variety of natural features (e.g., bedrock, bluffs, and open shore wetlands) and artificial or developed features (e.g., seawalls, rip rap, and jetties).
