February 2nd is most commonly known as being Groundhog Day. After six weeks of winter, it gives me hope that longer days and warmer weather or on their way. This morning, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, in uncommon form, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, predicting an early Spring. Traditionally, Phil predicts six more weeks of winter, more often than not, however, in 2020, as in 2019 the Groundhog's proclamation, as read by his handler, is for an early Spring. Of course, with our changing climate, this may be the new normal. As for here in New Hampshire, it seems that we are still waiting for winter to arrive. As I look outside, I am staring at mostly bare ground with temperatures in the mid-thirties. The long range forecast is for above freezing temperatures during the day and longer nights. This probably means an early start to the Maple Sugar season, something that may make consumers happy, but the long-term implications of warmer weather in the Northeast is not good for the maple syrup industry as it depends on freezing temperatures at night.
Although Groundhog Day is a nice milestone to recognize, many people may not know that February 2nd also marks the anniversary day that the United Nations Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat was adopted on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The convention acknowledged the following:
Recognizing the interdependence of man and his environment;
Considering the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands as regulators of water régimes and as habitats supporting a characteristic flora and fauna, especially waterfowl;
Being convinced that wetlands constitute a resource of great economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value, the loss of which would be irreparable;
Desiring to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future;
Recognizing that waterfowl in their seasonal migrations may transcend frontiers and so should be regarded as an international resource;
Being confident that the conservation of wetlands and their flora and fauna can be ensured by combining far-sighted national policies with co-ordinated international action;
Understanding that the Convention's mission is "the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world" 171 parties have signed on to date. As a result of this commitment, 2,386 properties across the world have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance, including 39 in the United States.
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| Wetlands provide habitat for a multitude of birds such as this Great Blue Heron |
