易胜博官网

The (NH WRRC) at the University of 易胜博官网 (易胜博官网) is a cornerstone of supporting place-based environmental research and education in the Granite State, helping move forward knowledge and management strategies for pressing water issues鈥攆rom the to . Now, under the new leadership of , an associate professor in the (COLSA), the NH WRRC is poised to continue and expand its legacy of innovation, advancing the monitoring and management of one of 易胜博官网鈥檚 most important natural resources.

Wymore, who has worked as an assistant director of the NH WRRC since 2020 and serves as a researcher with the , began his new appointment as director of the NH WRRC on Sept. 1, taking over for 易胜博官网 professor emeritus , who served as director starting in 2000 and retired from 易胜博官网 in 2023.

鈥淭he WRRC serves as an important driver of water resources research for the state of 易胜博官网,鈥� said Wymore. 鈥淲ith growing demand on our water resources and the uncertainty of climate change, efforts to protect and conserve our freshwater resources is critical now more than ever.鈥�

Research that the NH WRRC supports directly informs the management and protection of 易胜博官网's vital water resources, which are essential not only for the state鈥檚 environmental health but also for its economy, public safety and quality of life. And as severe weather events, including droughts and floods, and the demands on water supplies increase, safeguarding these resources is critical for supporting industries like tourism and recreation, maintaining safe drinking water and ensuring the resilience of communities across the state.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Scientific Excellence

The center was later incorporated into the federal , founded in 1964 and amended in 1984. The WRRA program is a federal-state partnership administered by the . In March of 2024, the WRRA commended the NH WRRC for its work over the previous five years (2016鈥�2020), particularly in . The center was also recognized for its and its strong support of student research.

McDowell notes that 鈥淭he success of the NH WRRC is built on a long history of meeting water resource needs throughout the state in partnership with ecologists, engineers, hydrologists, economists, and other specialists at 易胜博官网, Keene State College, Plymouth State University and Dartmouth College. This broad base of research engagement, and strong collaboration with state and federal partners, will be central to meeting the challenges of the coming decades as well.鈥�

Over the years, the NH WRRC has been instrumental in creating opportunities for scientists to address emerging and long-standing challenges that affect the quality and access to 易胜博官网鈥檚 waters, including the effects of suburbanization on the Lamprey River watershed. The Lamprey River, with its mix of forests, agricultural lands and rapidly developing suburban areas, offers a unique setting to study these impacts and the process of suburbanization, said Wymore.

鈥淏y collecting long-term data on water chemistry and hydrology, we can track how land-use changes and climate shifts are influencing nutrient levels and water quality,鈥� noted Wymore. 鈥淭his is crucial for informing management practices that protect not only the Lamprey River but also the broader network of water bodies that feed into 易胜博官网's Great Bay.鈥�

Research from the NH WRRC has also focused on better understanding how the interplay of climate, soil and watershed characteristics influence carbon, nitrogen and salt levels in streams and rivers鈥攁 critically complex relationship that is core to developing effective strategies to prevent nutrient pollution in 易胜博官网's freshwater ecosystems. As rapid climate change in the Northeast continues, the center鈥檚 work will be critical to helping inform science-based management and policies that will help protect and sustain the state鈥檚 fisheries, food webs and recreational water bodies.

The impact of NH WRRC鈥檚 work is heightened through leveraging interdisciplinary partnerships and meeting its education and outreach missions. Recently, , an associate professor in COLSA's natural resources and the environment department, and Ph.D. student led an NH WRRC-supported research project . , a research assistant professor in COLSA鈥檚 molecular, cellular and biomedical department, led research that .

Expanding Partnerships and Supporting Future Water Resource Leaders

Under Wymore鈥檚 leadership, the NH WRRC will continue its deeply rooted tradition of partnerships and outreach. The center has built strong collaborations with the NH Agricultural Experiment Station, and with regional watershed organizations like the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and the . These relationships not only enable stronger and more impactful research but ensure that the science reaches those who apply that knowledge through technical support to federal and state agencies, including the and the U.S. Geological Survey and direct engagement with local communities.

鈥淭he WRRC has a rich history of supporting the development of the next generation of researchers and managers focused on freshwater resources, watersheds and water quality,鈥� Wymore said. 鈥淭here is a huge cohort of early-career researchers who are really invested in conserving our natural resources and ecosystems, and the WRRC is proud to support these younger scientists by providing funds and platforms for research experiences throughout the state.鈥�

As the NH WRRC moves forward under Wymore鈥檚 leadership, the center will continue its tradition of excellence in water research. Wymore is committed to addressing the evolving challenges posed by climate change and increasing development pressures, ensuring that 易胜博官网's water resources remain protected and sustainably managed for future generations.

鈥淐limate change poses real and significant threats to our state and national freshwater resources,鈥� he stated. 鈥淎nd understanding the role of shifting seasonality and increased climate variability, including more frequent floods and droughts, will be a focal point of the 易胜博官网 Water Resources Research Center in the coming years.鈥�

Wymore added, 鈥淎nd I鈥檓 excited to continue working with WRRC staff, including Associate Director Michelle Shattuck, who has an extensive history of working with the WRRC and a deep knowledge of issues surrounding water resources in the Granite State.鈥�

To stay updated on the NH WRRC鈥檚 work and upcoming events, , check out the latest NH WRRC news听and explore their recent and .