Campton Warrant Article 21

NOTE: THE OFFICIAL NUMBER FOR THE CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE WARRANT ARTICLE HAS CHANGED FROM #20 TO #21.

To see if the town will vote to establish an independent committee consisting of 5-9 experts and citizens to produce a comprehensive report by January 8th, 2021.

This report will:

• Identify the vulnerabilities that Campton, NH will encounter over the next 20 years as a result of climate change
• ​Recommend to the town mitigation and adaptation strategies to address these issues​

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Why Should We Support a Climate Change Adaptation Study for Campton?
 
Changes in the global climate will affect the safety, economic opportunities, and quality of life for Campton residents.  Many of these effects are predictable, and advance preparation can reduce the future costs, in the same way that it is better to create the fire department before the fire starts.  The proposed climate change adaptation study for Campton will look at a broad range of issues.  For disaster preparation, the study can update the earlier work of the Campton 2007 All-Hazards Mitigation Plan, which examined dangers from fires, floods, and other sources but did not factor in climate change in developing the risk models.  The new study will also look at risks to the economy, health, and environment which were outside the scope of the earlier document.  The study will draw in experts from many disciplines from both within and outside the local community and will also build on the knowledge and concerns of all our citizens. 
 
While the study will endeavor to discover the "unknown unknowns" that can be unexpected factors, several risk factors are well known and can serve as examples of what will be examined:    

• Ski industry - The number of days suitable for skiing each year is decreasing and the rate of change is accelerating. Within the next 20 years, the ski season is anticipated to shrink by several weeks, and the frequency of economically devastating low-snow years will increase. This will impact businesses and jobs that depend on this tourism, as well as decreasing construction jobs and tax revenues associated with the second homes of people attracted to region by skiing.  An adaptation plan might look at ways to diversify the local economy in preparation for this transition, how to prepare local residents for jobs in these new industries, and how to take advantage of Campton's strengths to prosper in this changing environment.

 

• Forest protection - The frequency and severity of forest fires in the area is expected to increase as a result of changes in rainfall patterns and tree mortality due to the arrival of invasive pests.  Events like the Mount Major fire at nearby Alton in 2008 are expected to become more frequent, and the difficulties containing that fire show the need for better preparation. These fires can destroy homes in the community, damage the local tourist industry and the scenic beauty of the area, and make the area more susceptible to floods and mudslides.  An adaptation plan can look at how to increase our ability to contain and fight fires, how to reduce the risk of fires, and how to assist home owners with ways to protect their homes.  

 

• Floods - The changes in precipitation patterns may make 100-year floods happen every few years.  Six Flags Park was severely damaged by flooding after Hurricane in 2011; Route 49 is getting submerged more often; and mudslides have affected homes and roads further from the flood plain.  Infrastructure projects, zoning ordinances, and disaster preparation can reduce the human and economic costs from these future weather-related events. 

 
The study will be directed by an independent committee established by the town. They will seek funding from various federal, state, and private sources that provide grants for this type of work, as was done by the town of Dover, whose climate adaptation plan was incorporated as a chapter into their Master Plan.

​Comments

I like it.. short but broad enough to look at the effects of climate change on Campton specifically. 
- Richard Osborne

Time is not on our side. We need to act now.
- Nancy Donahue

Viva la democracy!! This action demonstrates that many Campton residents take this issue seriously even if many in the federal government don't or won't!
- Carol Lenahan

I support this warrant, though I think much more will be needed to avert the looming climate disaster.
- Stephanie Osborne

Time to take responsibility for our reckless actions and start taking action on climate change.  
For future generations! 
- Edward Hammond

I support this warrant article and hope the Campton Climate Crisis Committee (if convened) will focus upon concrete action steps toward a healthier climate for future generations.
- Frances Belcher

I am in support of this warrant article. Climate will impact the economic stability and potential for growth related to outdoor sports recreation in Campton. Measures to ensure we plan accordingly must be supported.
- Glenn Rummler

This is a good start. We must be proactive in our attempts to mitigate the issues facing this community with regards to climate change.
- Jennifer Legier

As a young person, my future is at stake. The time to start looking at the affects of climate change in my community is now.
- Katherine Legier

Thank you Campton Forward. Hopefully this will the first of many steps in the right direction.
- Ted Hammond

I support this article.
- Jonathan Ruhan

Paid for by Campton Forward