By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Lake Erie has yet to freeze this winter because of the region's relatively mild winter. And according to a new study, there's likely to be more ice-less winters in the future.
The New York Public Interest Research Group has released a report that links the lack of ice on lakes in the state to global climate change. The study found that lakes in New York state are experiencing ten fewer days of ice coverage than in past decades. NYPIRG's Jason Babbie says the trend has continued this winter.
"'Old Man Winter' is becoming 'Old Man Warmer,'" Babbie said. "We're seeing fewer days of where there is total ice coverage on a number of bodies of water. This is in keeping with the warmer trends we're seeing with global warming."
Fewer days of ice cover mean fewer ice fishermen. Gary Coons is chapter secretary of Western New York Trout Unlimited. He says he hasn't been able to enjoy his favorite past-time this winter.
"I'm kind of a big guy. I go about 280 pounds. And with all my equipment, I don't like getting out on ice that's less than six inches," Coons said. "And around here, we have not had ice that's safe enough to walk on."
Coons says the lack of ice on Lake Erie adversely affects the lake's fish population.
The information for the NYPIRG report was compiled by the National Snow and Ice Data Center based at the University of Colorado at Boulder.