To the editor:

I am privileged to live in the Adirondack Park with easy access to hunting, fishing, boating and hiking. I am worried about the impact of climate change on my recreational activities.

The National Wildlife Federation’s website provides a wealth of specific information about climate change, the influence of temperature increases for land and water. Weather patterns, droughts and heat waves have been researched. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website contains information about climate change and lists our natural resources, agriculture, tourism and water supply as some of the areas negatively impacted.

Specific to our area, extreme weather will increase pests, ticks, (deer ticks and winter ticks, probably more Lyme disease) and pathogens that create disease. Moose are distressed by warmer temperatures. Droughts cause increases in midges which transmit HD (hemorrhagic disease), causing whitetailed deer to lose appetite, develop fever, extensive bleeding and parish. Disease-carrying mosquitoes thrive in New York, spreading West Nile virus. Growing seasons change, vegetation types shift northward, 177 of 305 bird types have expanded 35 miles north. Ponds dry up, affecting waterfowl. Brook trout and walleye require cool, clean water. Warm waters influence upstream habits. Damaging sea lampreys have increased. I cannot fully explain the destruction with the brevity of this letter.

It is clear that we need state support for initiatives to tackle climate change. While in the New York State Assembly, Dan Stec voted against the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (which had grant money for farmers). How is this possible for someone who advocates for people in the North Country? Kimberly Davis is running against Dan Stec for state Senate for the 45th District. She is an advocate of sensible, practical climate change legislation. She understands that hunting, fishing, hiking and boating are important to us. Outdoor recreation is part of our lifestyle. Vote Kimberly Davis.

William Bereza

Saranac