With parts of South Dakota under severe drought conditions, and the rest of the state under abnormally dry conditions, Governor Dennis Daugaard is calling together the state’s drought task force.
The group held their first meeting on Monday July 11th.
The state Drought Task Force monitors drought conditions across South Dakota. Right now parts of West River and the northeastern corner of the state are in severe drought and part of the Black Hills is in an exceptional drought.
Officials with the drought task force can focus state resources on ag and cattle producers, as well as fire and water organizations who’re adversely impacted by dry conditions.
Jason Bauder is with the state office of Emergency Management.
“We’re seeing some counties, already, declaring county disaster resolutions, looking for assistance," Bauder says. "So, as a drought task force, we take into account what counties already have issues and are looking for assistance, what they’re specifically asking for.”
Bauder says the task force meets to discuss ways to help alleviate drought issues in the state, and then sends recommendations to the governor.
Fire activity is the main trigger that activates the drought task force. Bauder says the fire danger this year is very comparable to the drought in 2012.
A look at South Dakota's drought can be found here.