Reflections on a New Era: Grappling with The Transformation of New Hampshire’s Winters
In the span of my life, reaching back some seventy-four years primarily anchored in New Hampshire, the current winter stands out as an anomaly, provoking an unsettling feeling deep within me. Delving into this unease, I find myself reflecting on a journey that notably commenced upon my retirement. After over three decades serving as a wildlife biologist for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, my transition to consulting on climate change for the National Wildlife Federation marked a turning point. Back then, in 2007, the term ”global warming” was more commonly used, and it was my seasoned perspective on the shifting patterns of our winters that made me a valuable asset to their cause.
Personal Journey into Climate Advocacy
My collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation began with an informative trip to Washington D.C., aimed at equipping me with the necessary tools to engage local sportswomen and men in New Hampshire on the pressing issue of global warming. Among the several impactful moments during that period was a startling revelation from one of the slides presented to me—it forecasted a future where, without significant interventions to reduce our carbon emissions, New Hampshire could experience winters comparable to those in Virginia.
The Realization of a Worrying Prediction
As I sit amidst what can be described as an uncharacteristically mild winter, the chilling realization that we might be living the projected ”Virginia winter” in New Hampshire has dawned upon me. This rapid transition, far ahead of what many presumed would take much longer to manifest, stands as a stark indicator of the urgent reality of climate change.
Observations from a Lifelong Naturalist
Throughout my tenure as a wildlife biologist and an avid observer of nature, this particular winter has presented observations that are both unprecedented and alarming.
Transforming River Landscapes
Since settling in Epsom near the Suncook River back in 1979, I’ve witnessed the gradual yet relentless retreat of ice during the winter months. The Suncook, once a bustling trail for snowmobile enthusiasts, has seen a marked decrease in ice cover over the decades. This winter, the river remained almost entirely ice-free, mirroring a similar situation with the Merrimack River in Concord—a sight alien to my memories of past winters.
Alarming Signs from Traditional Winter Activities
A recent visit to the Meredith Rotary winter ice fishing derby, an event I’ve attended for the past forty-five years, unveiled a disturbing reality. Meredith Bay, typically bustling with ice fishers and their bobhouses, was starkly empty. Notably, Lake Winnipesaukee, a crown jewel of New Hampshire’s winter landscape, exhibited vast expanses of open water, signaling a profound and rapid ecological shift.
Political Denial and A Call to Action
The reluctance of some political figures to acknowledge the gravity of climate change, particularly their intentions to withdraw from international efforts such as the Paris Accord, is a subject that warrants immediate attention. A proposition for a reality check involves a hypothetical ice-fishing trip, prompting a direct encounter with the shifting climatic conditions.
New Hampshire’s Virginia Winter: A New Reality
Reflecting upon these changes confirms a suspicion that New Hampshire is indeed experiencing its first “Virginia winter,” a term now symbolizing the tangible consequences of our prolonged inaction against climate change. Through personal anecdotes and measured observations, the evidence of our accelerated trajectory towards a warmer climate is undeniable and demands a collective reevaluation of our approach to environmental stewardship.
