Last month we were fortunate to take our sons to visit Glacier National Park in Montana. It was a great opportunity, especially in light of the fact that Glacier National Park’s glaciers are melting and will be gone in our lifetime! Last month, the United States Geological Survey (“USGS”) released data showing that the park’s 37 glaciers have melted an average of 40% since 1966. USGS’s research ecologist, Daniel Fagre warns that at this rate, they will be gone within our lifetime and notes that in order for the glaciers to survive, the area must experience significant cooling.
If the park loses its glaciers, significant changes will impact not only the environment, but also wildlife. The stream water volume, change in water temperature and timing of run-off will have direct impacts on the park’s aquatic wildlife. Glacier National Park’s glaciers are estimated to be 7,000 years old, however, it appears the same changes to our environment that threaten our water sources in times of drought are also taking away our precious National Monuments. Plan a visit to see these glaciers before they are gone!
