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~ . . . National Drought Mitigation Center, form the basis of the existing knowledge needed for drought monitoring and prediction and for addressing the occurrence of drought and its impacts. Few ofthe more than 3,000 counties reported that they have drought-specific plans in place, but most have processes for dealing with emergencies and all have the ability to communicate information to their populations on a routine basis and when emergencies, including drought disasters, occur. The Commission is in the process of collecting additional information regarding county programs, including testimony at public hearings, and analyzing that information. Findings will be included in the final report. The hundreds of tribes in the United States represent a population that in many cases will be severely impacted by drought. Many have responded to the Commission with their concerns. We are collecting additional information from tribes, and our findings will be included in the final report, '1early 100 federal programs in different departments and their agencies address some aspect of drought. Some of these programs are focused on drought planning and impact-reduction measures while others emphasize emergency response that mayor may not be tied to planning and drought impact reduction, The Commission is in the process of analyzing information regarding these federal programs, and welcomes additional public comments on their effectiveness. Findings will be included in the final report Needs and Gaps Despite the many positive drought initiatives and programs, our needs and gaps assessments convinced us that this country can and must do better at preparing for and responding to drought in the future than in the past. The discussion below summarizes the broad scope of needs that are consistent across the nation as well as the gaps in meeting those needs. We emphasize that existing programs may cover the gaps partially in some cases and more fully in some locations than in others. The gaps are significant enough, however, to merit attention and remedies. The first category of needs focuses on long-term strategies that incorporate drought planning and impact-reduction measures. Some stakeholders recognized the importance oflong-term strategies that incorporate drought planning and impact-reduction measures, At the same time, the Commission concluded that many existing nonfederal and federal drought programs are geared not to proactive measures, but to response that relies heavily on federal financial assistance. What is missing in such programs is a focus on self-reliance and self-determination. Stakeholders noted too that hands-on technical assistance can help formulate plans to incorporate drought planning and ,impact-reduction measures. It can help farmers decide whether to include drought-resistant crops, on-farm wells, crop insurance, conservation easements, restoration of wetlands and wildlife habitat, and other important factors into risk management. It can help communities as they determine their own priorities for incorporating drought concerns into ongoing land-use and community planning and into plans to ensure safe, adequate drinking water and water c;:;.