This month, Governor Jay Inslee declared a drought emergency for three regions of Washington State. Paralleling reports from last month’s article, All Rain and No Snow Makes Oregon a Dry State, insufficient snowfall during the winter months has become a big issue for the northwestern states, and will have a significant impact on the local agriculture. With snowpack abnormally low across the Washington state — only 27% of typical levels — 34 of the state’s 62 watersheds are expected to get less than 75% of their normal water supplies.[1]
“Snowpack is at record lows, and we have farms, vital agricultural regions, communities, and fish that are going to need our support,” said Governor Inslee.[2]
Due to these water scarcity issues, the Washington Department of Agriculture is expecting $1.2 billion in crop losses this year.[3] Areas expected to be impacted most by the drought conditions are the Olympic Peninsula, Yakima, Wenatchee, and the Walla Walla region, which are essential to apple and wine production. The Washington Department of Ecology recently asked the state legislature for $9 million in drought relief funds which we would help pay for agricultural and fisheries projects, emergency water-right permits, changes to existing water rights, and grant water-right transfers. [4]
“We can’t wait any longer; we have to prepare now for drought conditions that are in store for much of the state,” said Governor Inslee. It appears that along with many of the western states, Washington is gearing up to battle this rampant drought. [5]
[1] Carroll, Yahoo! News, “Washington state governor declares drought emergency.”
http://news.yahoo.com/washington-state-governor-declares-drought-emergency-194710335.html
[2] Carroll, Yahoo! News, “Washington state governor declares drought emergency.”
http://news.yahoo.com/washington-state-governor-declares-drought-emergency-194710335.html
[3] Geiling, Climate Progress “Washington State Is In A Drought ‘Unlike Any We’ve Ever Experienced’.” http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/18/3659911/washington-drought-emergency-declared/
[4] Carroll, “Washington state governor declares drought emergency.”
http://news.yahoo.com/washington-state-governor-declares-drought-emergency-194710335.html
[5] Carroll, “Washington state governor declares drought emergency.”
http://news.yahoo.com/washington-state-governor-declares-drought-emergency-194710335.html
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