Fish flounder, people struggle in NH’s deepening drought

Around 90% of NH is currently experiencing moderate drought conditions. Here’s how that’s negatively impacting wildlife and water-dependent workers.

That old saying, “April showers bring May flowers” felt particularly true this past spring in New Hampshire. After enduring nearly 15 weekends of rain, though, the state is now wrestling with the opposite problem: A prolonged moderate drought. The US Drought Monitor found here indicates that around 90% of New Hampshire is experiencing these concerning conditions. As a result of that, lake, river, and reservoir levels are below their normal capacity, which is creating stress for local wildlife and workers.

New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services’s assistant director of the water division, Ted Diers, told NHPR that select areas of the state are about three to four inches of precipitation below normal for this time of year. He noted that the change is visible in groundwater, surface waters, and in soil, all of which are pointing to the drought becoming more significant over the upcoming weeks.

Diers also noted that, “We’re seeing some of the lowest measurements in history on some of our rivers for this time of year. That’s hard on the fish.” According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, coldwater species, like brook trout, struggle when water volume has been reduced. There are fewer places for them to comfortably swim and feed, and an increased amount of competition from other species that are better adapted to shallow water environments. The department is taking strides to protect wildlife, and lists some helpful ways you can take action against the ongoing drought here.

Not only is it hard on the fish, but the persistently dry conditions are equally hard on workers who make their living by offering specialty excursions on New Hampshire’s waterways.

The ongoing drought is causing problems for NH businesses

Businesses like Franklin’s Outdoor New England and Saco River’s Saco Bound are experiencing negative side effects as the result of the state’s ongoing drought. Speaking with NHPR, Marty Parichand, who owns Outdoor New England, said that it’s nearly impossible to whitewater raft on Winnipesaukee River right now. He’s choosing to offer alternate, slower-moving options in the meantime, like tubing and kayaking, to prevent a decrease in profits.

Saco Bound’s owner Bob Tagliaferri is similarly struggling, as paddling trips on Saco River are taking longer than they typically would because of the dryer conditions. “It’s typical for the Saco River to be dry as we get into late August or late summer,” he told NHPR, before adding, “but it’s even below the average right now because we haven’t got any substantial precipitation in quite a long time.”

Thankfully, visitors seem to be enjoying themselves regardless, though some may need to drag their boats out of the river once their adventure is over since the water levels are so low.

Dry conditions may also lead to an increased risk of wildfires

Another cause for concern during the moderate drought? A heightened risk of wildfires, like the one in Gilford that recently burned through approximately two acres of land outside the historic Kimball Castle. Fires have also been reported throughout eastern New Hampshire along the Seacoast and through the North Country. Residents are encouraged to take all necessary precautions before doing any outdoor burning over the next few weeks, and to contact their local fire departments for assistance as needed.

To keep an eye on the drought and how it’s impacting roughly 904,000 New Hampshire residents as of writing, click here.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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