Recreation

Daily low flows are projected to change in the Central Hardwoods, projections indicate a slight increase annually by end of century (under a low RCP 4.5 and high emissions scenario RCP 8.5) as compared to a historical baseline (1951-2005) (Demaria et al, 2016). Altered winter precipitation that results in in less snow, earlier snowmelt and more variable seasonal precipitation may change soil water storage and groundwater recharge rates. Base streamflow conditions may be reduced as growing seasons become longer and warmer temperatures enhance evaporation rates and plant transpiration.

Daily low flows are projected to change in the Central Hardwoods, projections indicate a slight increase annually by end of century (under a low RCP 4.5 and high emissions scenario RCP 8.5) as compared to a historical baseline (1951-2005) (Demaria et al, 2016). Altered winter precipitation that results in in less snow, earlier snowmelt and more variable seasonal precipitation may change soil water storage and groundwater recharge rates. Base streamflow conditions may be reduced as growing seasons become longer and warmer temperatures enhance evaporation rates and plant transpiration.

Flood risks for are expected to increase and may threaten the quality of ecosystems, wildlife, property, infrastructure, human health and safety. The potential for flooding is expected to increase in many areas as a result of more frequent and longer-duration heavy precipitation events, particularly when soils are already saturated. The frequency of multiple high flow days in a row are expected to increase by end of century (low (RCP 4.5) to high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5) as compared to historical baseline (1951-2005)) (Demaria 2016).

Streamflow patterns may change in response to warming, and longer growing seasons to reduce low-streamflow volumes. Generally, within the Northeast, low flow trends may be eclipsed by increased stormflow from seasonal heavy precipitation events. At the same time, models suggest a greater frequency of reduced daily low-flow volumes in some areas of the region, such as localized areas within central New York, northern Maine, and along the Atlantic coast (Demaria et al, 2016).

Flood risks for are expected to increase and may threaten the quality of ecosystems, wildlife, property, infrastructure, human health and safety. The potential for flooding is expected to increase in many areas as a result of more frequent and longer-duration heavy precipitation events, particularly when soils are already saturated. The frequency of multiple high flow days in a row are expected to increase by end of century (low (RCP 4.5) to high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5) as compared to historical baseline (1951-2005)) (Demaria 2016).

Daily low flows are projected to become more frequent with projected annual increases of 0-13% by end of century (under a low RCP 4.5 and high emissions scenario RCP 8.5) as compared to a historical baseline (1951-2005) (Demaria et al, 2016). Altered winter precipitation that results in in less snow, earlier snowmelt and more variable seasonal precipitation may change soil water storage and groundwater recharge rates. Base streamflow conditions may be reduced as growing seasons become longer and warmer temperatures enhance evaporation rates and plant transpiration.

Flood risks for are expected to increase and may threaten the quality of ecosystems, wildlife, property, infrastructure, human health and safety. The potential for flooding is expected to increase in many areas as a result of more frequent and longer-duration heavy precipitation events, particularly when soils are already saturated. The frequency of multiple high flow days in a row are expected to increase by 18% to 19% by end of century (low (RCP 4.5) to high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5) as compared to historical baseline (1951-2005)) (Demaria 2016).

Streamflow patterns may change in response to warming, and longer growing seasons to reduce low-streamflow volumes. Generally, within the Northeast, low flow trends may be eclipsed by increased stormflow from seasonal heavy precipitation events. At the same time, models suggest a greater frequency of reduced daily low-flow volumes in some areas of the region, such as localized areas within central New York, northern Maine, and along the Atlantic coast (Demaria et al, 2016).

Flood risks for are expected to increase and may threaten the quality of ecosystems, wildlife, property, infrastructure, human health and safety. The potential for flooding is expected to increase in many areas as a result of more frequent and longer-duration heavy precipitation events, particularly when soils are already saturated. The frequency of multiple high flow days in a row are expected to increase by 11% to 18% by end of century (low (RCP 4.5) to high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5) as compared to historical baseline (1951-2005)) (Demaria 2016).

Daily low flows are projected to become more frequent with projected annual increases of 0-13% by end of century (under a low RCP 4.5 and high emissions scenario RCP 8.5) as compared to a historical baseline (1951-2005) (Demaria et al, 2016). Altered winter precipitation that results in in less snow, earlier snowmelt and more variable seasonal precipitation may change soil water storage and groundwater recharge rates. Base streamflow conditions may be reduced as growing seasons become longer and warmer temperatures enhance evaporation rates and plant transpiration.