MoDNR Topics
Missouri Drought Assessment Committee
Drought Assessment Committee Meeting - June 3, 2004
Attendees:
Jeff Staake, Steve McIntosh, Scott Dummer, Shane Barks, Judy Grundler, Mike Wells, Dave Baker, Jerry Edwards, Kelly Smith, Brad McCord, Harold Deckerd, Tim Kelley, Chris May, Bruce Hensley, Don Scott, Sherry Chen, and Mubarak Hamed
Agencies and Companies Represented:
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Agriculture, University of Missouri-Columbia, US Department of Agriculture/NRCS, US Geological Survey, Missouri Agricultural Statistical Service, Farm Services Agency, US EPA, Corps of Engineers, FEMA, National Weather Service and SEMA.
Others representatives:
MO Farm Bureau, Sullivan County Commission, North Central MO Water Commission
Welcome and Introductions - DAC Chairman - Jeff Staake, Department of Natural Resources. Roundtable introductions were made.
Climate and Data Committee Report:
Current Drought Status - Steve McIntosh, Department of Natural Resources
US Drought Monitor - Conditions have improved in counties of northwest Missouri as well as throughout the state. Precipitation was at or above normal for the state for May 2004. The Drought Monitor shows no drought in Missouri at this time.
River/Lake Levels - Water levels at the Grand River near Gallatin are up; water levels at Locust Creek near Linneus are up, as well as the Thompson River at Trenton.
The recent rains have had a positive impact on rivers, streams, lakes and farm ponds.
Impact Team Reports
Agriculture Impact Team
Ms. Judy Grundler, Missouri Department of Agriculture reported there are no severe impacts related to drought. The southeast part of the state is dry which has impacted their ability to plant some crops. Recent abnormal amounts of rainfall did cause some flooding and the need for some crops to be replanted. Flooding is also affecting the corn that has been planted, affecting nitrogen runoff and nitrogen uptake into the plants. Planting has been delayed for both soybeans and sorghum due to the recent abnormal amount of rainfall. Crops that have already been planted are doing well due to moisture and warm temperatures. Hay production has been delayed due to the wet conditions. Severe hail and wind caused damage to corn crops in southwest Missouri.
Public Drinking Water Impact Team
In the absence of Deanna Cash, Steve McIntosh, Department of Natural Resources, reported that public drinking water systems are doing well with the recent rains. Missouri River levels are sufficient to prevent impacts to stakeholders that have intakes on the rivers.
North Central Missouri Regional Water Supply Lake
The group discussed Everett Baker's analysis of the North Central Missouri Water Supply project. The report analyzed the water supply at both 910 and 920 feet mean sea level of elevation. The biggest difference between the two elevations would be fluctuation of the water level of the lake. County officials are concerned with assuring the water supply lake will meet current as well as future demands. It was noted this water supply lake would meet the needs of the area for approximately the next 20 years. A meeting is scheduled for June 14 in Milan with county officials to determine the elevation of the lake. Department of Natural Resources staff will be at this meeting to assist with explanation of the options presented.
Climate Districts Letter
Missouri currently has six designated climate districts. The Drought Assessment Committee (DAC) has suggested sending a letter to the National Climatic Data Center asking for their consideration in revising the boundaries to mimic the USDA's nine crop reporting districts designated for Missouri. A suggestion was made that a letter be sent to Department Directors with staff representing the DAC, asking for a letter to be sent in support of this effort. A suggestion was also made to send the letter to private organizations (such as Farm Bureau) asking them to send a letter of support as well. Other minor changes were suggested to the letter. Jeff Staake will solicit comments from MALMRI. Those comments, if any, will be included in the letter that will then be routed to DAC members for signature.
Drought Condition Status Map
Mr. Steve McIntosh, Dept. of Natural Resources presented the Climate and Weather Committee's drought status map recommendation, showing no drought in the state at this time. The committee agreed to accept this Drought Condition Status map as presented.
Open Discussion - Jeff Staake, Dept of Natural Resources
TThe group discussed the future of the DAC since the state has no current drought conditions. It was agreed that the Climate and Weather Committee would stay active and would be the "trigger" for the DAC if conditions changed. Copies of the Missouri Drought Plan will be sent to members of the DAC for review, with comments returned to Jeff Staake by September 3. The plan would be revised, if needed, from those comments.
The group also discussed information included on the web site, keeping that information current as well as the addition of other maps, links etc.
One other item the DAC had discussed in the past was adding soil moisture monitoring gauges along with current well monitoring sites. With the state's current budget situation, that would not be immediately possible but may be only a few years in the future, if the state's budget situation improves.
Bruce Hensley, North Central Missouri Water Commission, extended his thanks and appreciation to the DAC as well as other Department of Natural Resources staff for their assistance with the North Central Missouri Water Supply project.
Tim Kelley, State FSA Director, noted that the producers of Missouri owed the Drought Assessment Committee a debt of gratitude for the excellent support to producers by obtaining factual information to support their needs during the drought of 2003-2004.
Mr. McIntosh announced that minutes of the meetings would be posted on the Website.
