Winter is a big part of Maine, it provides snow for skiing, snowmobiling, and snow boarding. The winter also brings ice for ice fishing and skating. Many people come to the state because of its beautiful winters, but these past few years have brought warmer temperatures and less snow.

Are the temperatures really rising? Portland's spring temperatures in 1880 were around 41.7 degrees, but as of 2002 the temperatures were around 43.8. It does not seem like a big difference, only 2.1 degrees, but it still could account for loss of snow. Raise in temperature may also cause the ice out to come sooner in the year.

When does ice out usually occur, and has it been coming sooner each year? Ice out in Damarscotta around the year 1820 was around March 22nd, but in 2002 it occurred about March 9th. Lake Auburn’s ice out date in 1875 was around March 26th, but in 2003 it was about March 17th. Rangeley Lake’s ice out date in 1880 was around April 15th, but in 2003 ice out came around April 9th. Moosehead Lake’s ice out date in 1848 was around April 20th, but in 2002 it occurred on about April 10th.

Another indicator that spring is coming earlier is that the migratory birds are starting to come back sooner in the year. This year the birds came back during the first couple weeks of February. In past years these birds have not migrated back until late March. Also the sap is starting to run earlier in the season. Sap is starting to run earlier because of warmer days and colder nights.

What is causing warmer temperatures? Carbon dioxide being released from car exhaust and factories helps cause the warmer temperatures. The earth is surrounded with green house gases that keep the earth warm by reflecting heat from the sun. The carbon dioxide being released adds to the green house gases, so the temperatures rise.

Can we minimize the amount of carbon we are emitting? People can walk to work or take the bus. Anything reducing the number of automobiles running helps control the amount of carbon dioxide released. People can also plant plants, trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This would help with the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
To find more evidence I would research the amount of snow accumulated during the month of February. It would be beneficiary to know if the amount of snow has changed in past years.

Most people are not fond of Maine winters, but it is a big part of the state. This February we only received two inches of snow. Sure, that means less now to shovel or plow, but it also means less income for state and its residents. People can’t make money plowing grass. Who knows maybe in the next few decades the temperatures will continue to rise and we won’t have snow at all.