MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle today issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency due to current drought conditions as farmers feel the effects of long term shortage of rainfall. Some areas of the state have adequate soil moisture, but many farmers are experiencing drought conditions at a critical point in the growing season which could mean significant crop damage and economic losses.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy, generating $59 billion a year and accounting for nearly 354,000 jobs,” Governor Doyle said. “While parts of the state recently received some much-needed rain, some farmers still need more and we don’t want to take a chance. We will do whatever we can to support our farmers and give them another option to help save their crops.”
According to the August 10 edition of the Wisconsin Crop Progress Report issued by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Wisconsin Field Office, more than half of the state’s soil moisture is considered short or very short. Because of limited rainfall and the cool temperatures, crop growth is behind and pasture conditions are considered poor or very poor in much of the state. The problem is especially acute in northern Wisconsin which has experienced a long-term shortage of rainfall.
The Executive Order will allow the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expedite farmers’ request for temporary irrigation permits to divert stream or lake water to irrigate their crops, while assuring that fish and other aquatic life and water users aren’t hurt by the requested diversions. In addition, the DNR is required to conduct a field inspection of the stream or lake proposed for diversion within 72 hours of receiving the request.
Under the Executive Order, the temporary irrigation permits would be in effect until September 11, 2009, which is when the Executive Order expires, unless extended by a joint resolution of the Legislature.
The counties covered by the Executive Order include: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Florence, Forest, Iron, Jackson, Kewaunee, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Shawano, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vilas, Washburn, Waupaca, St. Croix, and Wood.
A copy of the Executive Order is available at: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=17319.
For additional information or assistance:
DNR Irrigation permits: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/waterway/irrigation.html.
Wisconsin Farm Center (DATCP): (800) 942-2474
Wisconsin Crop Progress Report: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Wisconsin/Publications/Crop_Progress_&_Condition/index.asp
