New hampshire,
our traditions are worth protecting.
Life in New Hampshire is shaped by the seasons, the land, and the traditions we pass down. But things are shifting. The moose aren’t where they used to be. Maple sugaring starts earlier and ends quicker. Fishing is less reliable. Our moose population is on the decline. Algae outbreaks shut down access to lakes for days in the summer. These aren’t political talking points—they’re changes our families, neighbors, and communities are noticing firsthand.
But there’s a path forward—add your signature in support of cleaner energy, healthier communities, and a future that keeps New Hampshire, New Hampshire.
When the land changes, everything we value is affected.
Rising temperatures and pollution are threatening New Hampshire traditions that are deeply tied to the state’s seasonal rhythms, natural landscape, and way of life.
Warmer waters put fishing traditions on the line.
Longer stretches of heat and more flooding are changing fish behavior and habitat. Cold-water species like trout are already harder to find.
As ice on our lakes grows thinner and disappears sooner, ice fishing season shrinks—taking a toll on New Hampshire’s winter tourism economy. Earlier ice-out also speeds up lake warming, triggering excessive, harmful plant and algae growth.
Sugaring season is a tradition worth protecting.
Sugar makers across the state are adjusting to shorter seasons and unpredictable weather. The 2024 sugaring season reflected broader climate trends: earlier start dates, more volatile tapping windows, lower sugar yields, and visible stress in sugar maple health. What was once passed down from generation to generation is becoming harder to sustain.
Cooler waters mean healthy lakes and happy kids.
New Hampshire is experiencing a sharp increase in toxic algal blooms. Harmful algae outbreaks are linked to warmer water, longer ice-free seasons, and more intense rain storms, all fueling higher nutrient runoff from development, lawns, septic systems, and roads.
New Hampshire hit its fourth consecutive record year for toxic cyanobacteria blooms in 2023, driven by rising temperatures and polluted runoff.
With rising advisory counts, prolonged outbreaks, and elevated phosphorus levels, lakes across the state are at risk—and so are our long summer days in and on the water.
Brisk mornings and active moose are worth more than a trophy.
As New Hampshire winters warm, fall lingers longer and spring arrives earlier, leading to an unusual increase in winter tick populations. University of New Hampshire research shows that these ticks, which infest moose by the tens of thousands, are responsible for killing a staggering 70% of calves over the past three years.
On top of this, less than half of female moose are able to become pregnant. This is due to the combined effects of tick infestations, which leave them underweight, and warmer summers, which reduce their food intake. Underweight moose have a harder time reproducing.
Beyond its cultural impact, the loss of moose is also economic. The moose hunt in New Hampshire has dropped from allowing 675 hunter tags issued per year to just 33.
How to take action
These changes aren’t just frustrating—they’re threatening our way of life.We all want to pass on something better. That starts with caring for what we have. Conservation Law Foundation is working locally to protect the resources that make New Hampshire special.
We don’t have to agree on everything to agree this place is worth protecting.
Pledge your support
Let’s stand together and send a clear message: We want our land and way of life cared for, so we can keep enjoying all that makes New Hampshire home for us.
Spread the word
Even in these divided times, caring for our land and people can be the common ground we all share. Join us in raising our voices by sharing yours.
Donate to our work
We’re working towards a New Hampshire powered by affordable clean energy, with air free from dirty pollution, safe from toxic poisons, and where our communities are stronger, more vibrant, and healthier than ever before.
Catastrophic events and rapid ongoing changes, such as stronger storms, flooding, and sea level rise, will influence the physical landscape of New Hampshire. This may change local populations of plants and animals that are not able to adapt or react to such extreme events.
If heat-trapping emissions continue at the current rate, the Granite State is on track to feel more like South Carolina by 2050. Skiing and pond skating, maple syrup making and snow-covered woods—our New Hampshire winters are at risk.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the threats that face New Hampshire's traditions.
Skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, pond hockey, wildlife viewing, and fall foliage are also at risk.
Tourism sectors tied to winter sports and seaside recreation are seeing losses in revenue, which affects hospitality industries, local shops, and more.
Additionally, public health risks are rising. Harmful algal outbreaks in lakes are producing toxins that can sicken people and pets. Air pollution is making asthma and other breathing problems worse. Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease are spreading as ticks survive milder winters.
- Advocate for policies that reduce carbon pollution, and conserve forests, wetlands, and natural areas.
- Reduce car use; choose people power transport, public transportation, or EVs.
- Join local cleanups and water-monitoring programs.
- If your community is part of the Community Power Coalition, choose clean energy for your home. If your town isn't in the coalition, ask your local officials to join.
- Attend town meetings to support environmental protections.
- Support policies that boost public transit investments and electric vehicles.
- Donate or volunteer with groups focused on conservation or climate resilience.
- Stronger clean energy standards and targets to lower our state's carbon pollution.
- Investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
- Protection and restoration of coastal areas, wetlands, and forests.
- Funding for infrastructure upgrades so communities can bounce back from floods and other extreme weather more quickly.
Yes! There are many local efforts to monitor water quality, protect natural lands, restore rivers, and build equitable environmental solutions, often led by grassroots coalitions and nonprofits like CLF.
Without intervention, cultural landmarks will vanish, economic losses will mount, public health will suffer (e.g., pollution-linked illnesses), and community traditions may erode.
You can learn more by exploring our website. Join our community to stay informed and engaged.
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At Conservation Law Foundation, we are fighting for healthier, cleaner New England communities. Stay up to date with our efforts and how you can take action.
