Midcoast Conservancy is a regional conservation organization that works in an interconnected way to protect vital lands, trails, waterways, and water quality in the Midcoast region. The recent temperate winter has stunted the regular winter activity we normally see at our premier recreation venue, Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson.

Along with a host of normal programming cancellations, the 5th Annual Liberal Cup Biathlon was postponed and ultimately cancelled because of lack of snow. In its place, the Nature Center hosted a winter open house with mountain biking and trail running, which attracted 150 attendees, only half as many people as were expected for the biathlon. The Nature Center also saw a remarkable decline in rentals of back-country huts, which make winter camping accessible to young families.

The health of our lakes and rivers, as well as our economy, is at risk with the impacts of climate change. Rain events throughout the winter season washed pollutants into our waterways that would otherwise have been reduced by vegetation. Road sands from winter maintenance washed directly into streams and rivers, contributing to algae blooms and ocean acidification. Northeast municipalities must also consider the impacts of more frequent and intense rain events on their storm water systems, planning and budgeting to improve the capacity and effectiveness of their aging infrastructure.

These impacts to our water resources have long reaching affects, impacting Maine’s shellfish and marine fisheries, in attracting tourism to the state, and the high values we place on recreation and enjoyment of the outdoors. Clearly, climate change is threatening Maine’s traditional industries and our recovering economy. We strongly support the EPA’s Clean Power Plan and thank Sen. Susan Collins heartily for her support of the plan in Congress, as well as Sen. Angus King and Rep. Chellie Pingree.

Garrison Beck

Wiscasset