WATFSummaryOct2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Bottomline: The extraordinary Colorado drought of 2002 may have reached its peak in August. Although the outlook for the next year is not overly wet, the rains of September may have broken the vicious cycle of low soil moisture and fire-caused hazy skies that tended to perpetuate our drought through the summer, With a slate thus wiped clear, and a strengthened El Nino in place, we should have a better chance of realizing the El Nino- related potential of near-normal or even wet months ahead of us, Unfortunately, a near- normal or even slightly wet snow season won't be sufficient to refill our reservoirs, Although a repeat oflast year's dry weather is not likely, it would exacerbate our drought conditions so much that we need to consider what such a scenario would entaiL Nevertheless, a slight easing of the drought appears most likely for the southern half of the state and Front Range once the snows of this winter (and SPRING!) melt next summer, Shaun McGrath. Western Governors Association Mr, McGrath reported on the latest developments with federal drought preparedness legislation, He stated that the favored bill, S, 2528, sponsored by Senator Domenicci, was still alive and was currently in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, This legislation establishes a drought fund to be used for future drought planning efforts and authorizes the National Drought Council to coordinate drought efforts and establishes the National Drought Monitoring Network to enhance national drought monitoring and alert, REPORTS FROM IMPACT TASK FORCE CHAIRS Robin Knox. Colorado Division of Wildlife. Wildlife Report Mr, Knox, reported that the recent rains had helped habitat across the state, but he had concerns about mudslides in the Durango area, He stated that elk hunter numbers were up for 2002, but that forage conditions were poor from low moisture, He continued stating that the continued low stream flows were a concern for state fisheries, (see handout for complete report) Bob McLavev. Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Report Mr, McLavey reported that the recent rains have hrought optimism to the agriculture industry, He stated that many farmers have decided to plant their winter wheat crops based on the rainfall and future weather outlook. Mr, McLavey said that the recent rains have reduced the focus on the drought, but that the financial situation in the agriculture connunity is worsening, JeffTranel. Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Mr, Tranel reported that the low soil moisture, from years of dry conditions, is a major concern in Colorado agriculture, Randal Ristau. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Health Report Mr, Ristau reported on current water quality monitoring and projects for various connunities that had been affected by drought.