News Releases for September 2003
September 17, 2003
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Outlines State Response To Dry Conditions
Governor Seeks Agriculture Disaster Declaration, Urges Fire Safety Vigilance
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today outlined a broad strategy to respond to extreme dry conditions this season in some parts of the state, citing the need to address the impact of drought on agriculture, public water supplies and the fire index. The Governor also appealed to the public to maintain vigilance throughout the rest of the fire season to reduce the risk of injury to people and damage to property.
Agriculture Disaster Declaration
On August 26, Hoeven requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture complete an assessment of agriculture production to document crop losses. The move was the first step in making a request for a secretarial disaster declaration from the USDA for counties suffering crop or forage losses due to drought. Preliminary results suggest that a number of counties will qualify in the southwestern part of the state, and particularly where late season crops were affected, Hoeven said. The assessment should be completed by mid-October.
State Livestock Water Assistance
Hoeven also reminded livestock producers that the State Water Commission offers the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program to help with the cost of creating permanent water supplies for cattle. Up to $3,500 per producer is available.
Municipal Water Supplies
Hoeven also said that municipalities were beginning to feel the drought. Water supplies in some communities were endangered by dry conditions, notably communities like Parshall that rely on Lake Sakakawea for fresh water.
"If the water level on Sakakawea drops below 1815 feet, Parshall will have significant problems regarding both the quantity and the quality of their water supply," Hoeven said. "We are working with the Army Corps of Engineers to find a better arrangement for their intake of water. Still, the situation makes all the more urgent our efforts to push the Corps into managing the Missouri River in a way that respects the vital needs of communities like Parshall."
Fire Mitigation Plan
In addition, last month Hoeven issued a fire danger emergency proclamation and an executive order triggering the rural fire mitigation actions listed in the state Emergency Operations Plan. The proclamation is in effect until the National Weather Service discontinues its fire index reports, usually by the end of October. The Governor also directed that all state departments and administrators maintain fire response resources and capabilities at high levels of readiness.
The damage to crops and grazing land is serious, but the most dangerous aspect of drought is fire, according to Hoeven. During a normal fire season, the state experiences about 600 fires and about 11,000 acres burn. To date this year, the state fire marshal reports that North Dakota has had about 625 fires, and about 35,000 acres have burned, with six weeks left in the season.
"As vegetation dries throughout the season, the fuel load in the fall becomes like tinder," said State Forest Service Fire Management Coordinator Mike Santucci. "We need to make everyone - from farmers to hunters -- mindful of the danger, and aware of the fact that rain will only temporarily suspend the danger."
With hunting season underway, Hoeven urged sportsmen to become familiar with the fire danger index guide and daily fire danger forecasts. The guide is accessible from the Division of Emergency Management website, and the fire danger forecasts are available through Weather Service websites and the statewide news media.
Hunting season means more eyes and ears in the field to spot, extinguish and report fires. At the same time, the index system provides appropriate restrictions and prohibitions, as well as weather and fuel conditions. As a tool to inform the public, it has proven successful over the years in mitigating wildfires.
E-mail comments to the Governor