MO Gov. Parson signs executive order declaring Drought Alert
(KBSI) – Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed an executive order Wednesday declaring a Drought Alert.
Executive Order 23-05 declared a Drought Alert in the State of Missouri in accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan.
“With the summer months fast approaching, we want to be proactive to help mitigate the impacts of drought conditions we are experiencing,” Governor Parson said. “Missouri farmers and ranchers often bear the brunt of the consequences of drought, and we are already starting to see early effects on crops and livestock. While we cannot control the weather, we are committed to doing everything we can to alleviate the strain drought causes for our agricultural families and protect our food supply chains.”
A Drought Alert is part of Missouri Drought Plan. It is the first step for the governor to direct state agencies to work together to provide as many resources and as much assistance as possible.
The Executive Order directs the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate Missouri’s Drought Assessment Committee and requests that all Missouri and federal agencies participate as needed.
The committee’s first meeting will be Wednesday, June 7 at 2 p.m.
The Department of Conservation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Economic Development, Department of Health and Senior Services and Department of Public Safety participate on the Drought Assessment Committee. The committee will assess drought conditions and make preliminary recommendations to Gov. Parson by Friday, June 9.
Recommendations could include including a hay lottery program, opening public waters for livestock, easing hay hauling restrictions, etc.
The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 60 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The Executive Order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any other county that begins experiencing drought conditions.
In a fast-moving drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance, according to the Office of Gov. Parson. Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).
Find resources at dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities daily as it becomes available. The drought website features a link to CMOR, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.
The Missouri Department of Conservation warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause. Visit MDC’s wildfire prevention website for more information on how best to prevent wildfires.
Executive Order 23-05 will expire on December 1, 2023, unless otherwise extended. Tap here to view the Order.
