Wildfires, particularly across Canada, have been major news stories for the past months. Dry or drought conditions across North America have also caused major concerns.
Last week, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared theCape Cod region has been upgraded to a Level 2 (Significant Drought) from a Level 1 (Mild Drought) which was issued last month. The southeast, Connecticut River Valley, western, central and northeast regions remain listed at Normal Conditions, although those are starting to dry all across the state. Nantucket County is currently at a Level 1, while Dukes County remains at Normal Conditions within the islands regions.
Drought is a look back on conditions over a period of time. July was notably warm in Massachusetts, with average temperatures two to five degrees above normal. Precipitation levels vary in the state, with some areas getting above-normal rainfall amounts, while areas north of I-90, and the northeast, southeast, Cape Cod, and the islands regions have seen below-average rainfall. Regions that are currently not in a drought are starting to see some indices impacted by the low precipitation.
More precipitation is needed to improve water systems, especially groundwater, in areas that are lagging. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1 and Level 2 require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water use restrictions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local boards of health, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.
State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate the dissemination of information to the public, and help federal, state, and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future.
The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Monday, Sept. 8. To get further information on water conservation and what you can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages. There are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within both Level 1 and Level 2, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are also asked to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place.
The issue really hits home when one drives Route 2 West from Orange and you pass the stretch in Farley, commonly call “Farley Flats,” where the Millers River flows alongside the highway. That stretch was at unusual seasonally high levels in June and July but now seems to be all rocks! The stocked trout cannot survive with low levels and high-water temperatures unless they are able to enter a tributary with a good flow.
As for wildfires, an even more disturbing report came from a friend in Nova Scotia. Back during my time working as regional director for Ducks Unlimited from 1988 to 1992, it was my pleasure to have worked with a number of Canadian lodges and outfitters. One that stood out was Lansdowne Lodge in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia. The lodge hosted DU members for a fantastic trip during that period and Todd Kennedy, whose family owned the business, and I began a friendship has lasted all these years. Todd is world-class fly tier and now also works as a hunting and fishing guide.
This year yours truly finally decided to take him up on his invitation to travel to Nova Scotia to join him. We have been fine-tuning an itinerary which would fit in with my other hunting travels, and this week my plan was to finalize the dates for some upland and waterfowl hunting with a great friend. Tuesday, however, Todd informed me that severe wildfires were raging in the province. He included a video of him sitting in a bus, in case evacuations were needed, in the flight path of water bombers that were fighting a fire near a hospital in Halifax.
As a result, Nova Scotia is under a lockdown until Oct. 15. The order prohibits entering the woods, having any fires and shuts down all outdoor activities. This puts my trip in jeopardy, and my disappointment is really bumming me out! Let’s pray that conditions across a wide area in North America get some relief in the form of significant rainfall soon!
Meanwhile, my hunting season preparation is continuing. Last Sunday that led me to drive to Deerfield to do some shooting at the Franklin County League’s excellent skeet range. There is a core group of league members who shoot skeet regularly are a real pleasure for a “once-a-year” skeet shooter to join. They are extremely helpful as my memory of which target to shoot first is sketchy. They could not be more welcoming, and they really have a good time shooting, with some good-natured ribbing mixed into the round.
Shooting the 28-gauge Ruger Red Label “low gun,” yours truly really shot well. Low gun means that you do not raise your gun to your shoulder until you see the target. Most skeet shooters mount their shotgun before calling for the target, as this helps this insure a proper fit. My choice is to shoot like I would when bird hunting.
With that said, the prospect of joining the league has entered my mind. They shoot skeet year-round three days a week. It would be fun to shoot some more and get out of the house during the winter and spring to sharpen my eye and be more active. We will see, but the next challenge is spending more time with the dogs. Enough with the heat!
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.