COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- It has been an exceptionally dry calendar year for the southeastern plains of Colorado. There have already been many wildfires in the mountains, foothills, and plains. But the impacts from the drought go beyond even that.
Earlier in the spring, Baca, Otero, and Crowley counties were all declared drought disasters. In June 2011, Gov. John Hickenlooper asked requested drought assistance for the rest of the southeastern Colorado counties. This federal disaster aid will allow assistance and loans to farmers who have been hit hard by the extreme lack of moisture.
Baca county is considered to be in "exceptional" drought status, which is the strongest drought rating available.
From an agricultural perspective, food prices will be affected by the lack of production, and it will weigh heavy on Southern Colorado's local economy.
However, wildlife will also bear a brunt from the drought. With less plant life, wildlife have less food. This lack of nourishment will force more bears into human habitats looking for food. Michael Seraphin with the Division of Parks and Wildlife said more wildlife including raccoons and deer could come down into human contact.
Less food and water will also bring down the rate of survival for newborns in the wild.
Record mountain snow has kept river and reservoir levels healthy enough for forced water availability. However, that water will eventually be exhausted, especially with increased usage to make up for the lack of rainfall.
The last time the plains of Colorado recorded no areas in drought was in 2009.
Some sobering statistics about how dry it's been:
From January 1 to June 30, Colorado Springs reported 2.42 inches of moisture. This makes it the third driest period on record. June 2011 was the fourth driest June month on record.
June 2011 was also the second hottest June on record. While temperature does not necessarily reflect drought conditions, it is an indication of fire danger.
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