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<br />3. Compared to last month's forecast for Jan-Mar '03, there are few changes, leaving the <br />previous forecast mostly intact. Recent El Nino conditions are still not strong enough to <br />overwhelm all other influences. This appears true for Apr-Jun '03 as well, where only the <br />tilt of the odds towards wetness on the eastem plains of north em New Mexico matches <br />historical El Nino associations. <br /> <br />4. Bottomline: After several wet months, December and January did not bring enough <br />moisture into Colorado to maintain the momentum. This is consistent with continued El <br />Nino conditions, which may very well spoil our chances for snow in February as well. <br />From March onwards, remaining EI Nino influences should favor renewed wetness in <br />much of this region. Stay tuned for the next update of this webpage around February <br />22nd. <br /> <br />REPORTS FROM IMPACT TASK FORCE CHAIRS <br /> <br />Barry Cress. Department of Local Affairs. Municipal Water Report <br />Mr. Cress reminded the Task Force of all of the projects that the Department of Local <br />Affairs had been involved with over the last year to provide necessary drought funding to <br />local communities. <br /> <br />Mr. Cress explained that DOLA is in a response mode now and has been since <br />September. Local Mfairs has funded various projects that involved both drought and fire <br />impacts. About $3.2 million was funded and more than half of that was provided to the <br />La Plata County area related to the Missionary Ridge frre. Local affairs helped the town <br />of Beulah recently with $500,000 for their water tank, engineering and legal costs. <br />Beulah was Local Affair's most recent project associated with the drought. <br /> <br />The Colorado Water Utility Council helped with an internal survey of a 130 local utilities <br />to locate the water needs of each utility and how the State could help. Mr. Cress hopes <br />the CWUC will be able to assist Local Affairs again this year. <br /> <br />Bob McLavey. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Report <br />Mr. McLavey stated that it is difficult to judge the actual effects on agriculture for the <br />next year at this time. The 2003 winter wheat crop was planted based on moisture we <br />received last fall; however, its success is dependent on future precipitation. Mr. <br />McLavey continued to report that almost 250,000 head of cattle were sold last year <br />because of a lack of water and resources. Agriculture has an ongoing concern about the <br />impact of the drought. Things look bleak now. Producers have been counting on snow to <br />help refill the reservoirs. Some wells have been shut down and will not be able to operate <br />next year. <br /> <br />Stefanie Dalgar. Colorado Office of Tourism. Tourism Report <br />Ms. Dalgar explained that they are tracking agencies most impacted from drought. The <br />ski industry began the year well and was up 18% through December, which was better <br />