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 Almost 30 people attended a presentation on climate change effects on fish and wildlife and their habitats. Eric Orff, a retired
biologist, began by talking about how ice and winter conditions have changed over his 30 year span with NH Fish and Game Department. One
of his first jobs was to check wood duck nesting boxes each winter. He began doing this on snowmobile and then gradually by foot because of
thinning ice. In recent years the nesting boxes have been surrounded by open water all winter.
Orff, now working for the National Wildlife Federation, explained how federal legislation is needed to cap the global warming pollution
while allowing for trade under that cap. The US should reduce its global warming pollution by 2% every year leading to an 80% reduction by
mid century. Scientists say the US must cut its pollution by this amount to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of global warming. Orff
likened the necessary Carbon Dioxide levels in the atmosphere as a protective wool blanket but with the greenhouse effect caused by
increased Carbon Dioxide levels it will become more like a down quilt.
Even with climate change occurring there are some NH wildlife success stories. Orff said, "We have a better chance to see some species
of wildlife now than in our grandparent’s day". NH is plentiful in deer, turkey, beaver, otter and wood duck. He also said, "Everybody has a turkey story."
Several simple small steps were discussed to reduce each persons carbon output. Some mentioned were: to replace incandescent bulbs with
fluorescents, buy appliances that are energy star compliant, increase insulation in homes, don’t buy bottled water and to recycle.
This event was held at the First Congregational Church of Wakefield and co-sponsored by Moose Mountains Regional Greenways and Acton
Wakefield Watersheds Alliance.
On April 25th MMRG along with UNH Cooperative Extension will cosponsor a workshop on invasive species. A power point presentation will begin the program at the Greater Wakefield Resource Center in Union at 10:00. After a bring-your-own-bag-lunch break the workshop will move outdoors to Branch Hill Farm in Milton. Cost is $3.00/member, $5.00/non-member and $10.00/family. For more information please call 817-8260.
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