GOVERNOR EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR DRY CONDITIONS TO ALL WISCONSIN COUNTIES
For Immediate Release
July 17, 2001
Contact: John Pribek, Governor’s Press Office (608) 261-2156
Mary Ellen Vollbrecht, Department of Natural Resources (608) 264-8554 GOVERNOR EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR DRY CONDITIONS TO ALL WISCONSIN COUNTIES.

(Madison) - Gov. Scott McCallum today declared a state of emergency to help farmers throughout the state save agricultural crops. On July 13, the governor declared a state of emergency for dry conditions that applied to 15 counties. The declaration now encompasses the entire state and allows the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expedite the permitting process for irrigation.

“Earlier this year, farmers were dealing with constant downpours that washed away their crops,” Gov. McCallum said. “They now face the loss of the second planting due to extremely dry conditions, which have taken over most areas of the state. This executive order will make it easier for farmers to implement emergency irrigation measures.”

In order to divert water for irrigation from a stream or lake, farmers and producers must apply with the DNR for an irrigation permit. That process can take up to 30 days or more. Gov. McCallum’s state of emergency declaration suspends that law statewide and directs DNR personnel to conduct on-site field inspections within 72 hours. The field inspectors can give permission immediately if the proposed diversion will clearly not have an adverse environmental effect. The DNR will allow diversion wherever possible, but any diversion must be accomplished so that it does not result in fish kills and maintains satisfactory dilution flows for sewage dischargers.

The state of emergency will remain in effect for 30 days or until environmental conditions change, unless extended by a joint resolution of the Legislature.

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