From the surprisingly readable report by the GAO on climate change, released this month, Regarding Glacier National Park, the Congressional research agency writes:
A USGS scientist informed us that, since 1850, the number of glaciers within the park has dropped from 150 to 26, and that current trends in the rate of glacial melting in the park suggest the remaining glaciers will be gone in the next 25 to 30 years. According to scientists with whom we spoke, the loss of glaciers is symbolic of the overall changes to the natural systems in the park, including the water cycle and water temperatures.
Symbolic, indeed.
Kit Stolz 