Posted: Tuesday, 10 September 2024
Updated: Thursday, 26 September 2024
Ohio Declaration 20603 (Disaster: OH-20004)
Incident: DROUGHT
Occurring: 20 August 2024 and continuing.
Clinton County in Extreme Drought Condition
(26 September 2024)
Despite recent precipitation in parts of the Midwest, Clinton County has not seen
sufficient rainfall to mitigate the D3 (Extreme Drought) conditions affecting the majority of the area. Current data shows that the county remains under severe stress, with 95% of Ohio’s topsoil moisture still rated very short to short, and 93% of pastures in very poor to poor condition.
While the recent rainfall may influence the next release of the U.S. Drought Monitor, it has not yet been enough to reverse the worsening drought conditions. The upcoming Thursday release may reflect some improvement if further rain alleviates short-term dryness.
Clinton County’s agricultural output remains critically impacted, and future rains will be essential for any meaningful recovery in crop and pasture conditions.
Clinton County Added to State Burn Ban
Clinton County added to Ohio Burn Ban Notice (20 Sept).
Drought Conditions Near Clinton County, Ohio: An
In-Depth Overview
Link to U.S. Drought Monitor (Clinton County).
As of September 2024, Clinton County, Ohio, and the surrounding areas are experiencing significant drought conditions that are impacting local agriculture, businesses, and residents. This blog will provide a detailed analysis of the current drought situation, its effects on various sectors, and the resources available for those affected by this natural disaster.
Current Drought Status
The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that 22 Ohio counties have been designated as
primary disaster areas due to prolonged drought conditions that have persisted for several months. These counties, including nearby Fayette, Highland, and Ross, have experienced drought severity classified as either D2 (severe drought) or D3 (extreme drought) for an extended period. As a result, the region is facing a serious hydrologic imbalance, with severe water shortages and significant impacts on agriculture.
The lack of precipitation has led to widespread environmental stress. Native flora is under severe pressure, and many lawns and crops are withering or dying prematurely. In addition, early leaf drop is being observed across the region. This abnormal weather pattern is causing low river flows, with ripple effects seen in both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The low water levels are increasing the risk of wildfires, compounding the challenges posed by the drought.
Portions of the region have worsened to Exceptional Drought (D4) for the first time since the current version of the U.S. Drought Monitor has been in effect since 2000.
2024 marks the first time since 2012 that portions of the region have been categorized as D3 (Extreme drought)
Information on our friends to the east in Highland County: City of Hillsboro implements a Phase II Water Emergency on 10 Sept 2024.
Impact on Agriculture and Local Economy
Agricultural producers in Clinton County and surrounding areas are among those hardest hit. Farmers are experiencing low crop yields and early harvests, which could lead to rising food prices and potential shortages. The prolonged dry conditions are particularly affecting forage production, reducing the amount of feed available for livestock, which in turn impacts the entire agricultural supply chain. Livestock producers may qualify for assistance through the USDA's Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), which provides compensation for grazing losses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has activated several disaster assistance
programs to aid farmers, including the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). These programs offer financial assistance to producers facing crop and livestock losses due to the drought.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
In addition to agricultural losses, local businesses are also feeling the effects of the drought. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has made available Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and private non-profit organizations that have suffered financial losses due to the drought. These loans, with terms up to 30 years, provide working capital to help businesses meet their ordinary financial obligations that cannot be met due to the disaster.
Environmental and Public Health Concerns
Beyond economic and agricultural impacts, the drought is also posing significant environmental and public health risks. Dry soil conditions are increasing the amount of dust and particulates in the air, which can aggravate respiratory conditions for those with asthma or other health issues. Furthermore, low water levels in rivers and streams could lead to stagnant water conditions, increasing the likelihood of mosquito infestations and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
Response Efforts
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the State Climatology Office have established a drought working group to maintain situational awareness and coordinate the state's response to the drought. The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has also opened a WebEOC incident to track the drought conditions and assist local counties, including Clinton, in managing the crisis.
In an effort to mitigate the risk of wildfires, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has issued a statewide burn ban, prohibiting open burning in affected areas. This precaution is necessary to prevent potential wildfires from exacerbating the already challenging drought conditions. Furthermore, the State Fire Marshal has issued an Open Burning Ban for a fire of any type, to include cooking or smoking, in 24 Ohio counties.
Assistance and Resources
Residents and farmers in Clinton County and nearby areas are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for guidance on available disaster assistance programs. Additionally, small businesses can apply for EIDL loans through the SBA's disaster assistance website.
For ongoing drought-related updates and resources, the Ohio EMA will continue to provide steady-state advisories to keep local agencies and residents informed.
Summary
The drought conditions affecting Clinton County and its neighboring areas are having far-reaching consequences on agriculture, the local economy, and public health. While state and federal agencies are stepping up efforts to provide assistance, the impacts of the drought are expected to be long-lasting. Residents, businesses, and farmers must take advantage of available resources to mitigate the damage and recover from this significant natural disaster.
For more information, contact your local FSA office or visit Farmers.gov for details on disaster assistance programs.
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Sources:
Fact Sheet: Ohio Declaration 20603 DROUGHT (OH-2004)
USDA Secretary Letter
Disaster Assistance Programs Brochure
SBA News Release: SBA to Help Ohio Businesses Affected by Drought
News Release: State Fire Marshal Orders Ban on Open Burning for Certain Ohio Regions
Impacted Ohio counties include (as of this post): Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Tuscarawas, Vinton, and Washington.
Clinton County In-Focus
Clinton County, Ohio, is eligible for several drought relief programs due to its designation as a contiguous disaster county. Here is an overview of the key programs available to farmers, small businesses, and other entities affected by the drought:
1. USDA Disaster Assistance Programs
Clinton County is eligible for a range of USDA disaster assistance programs designed to help mitigate the financial impact of drought on agriculture and other sectors. These include:
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): Provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters, including drought. This program offers coverage for lower yields or complete crop losses due to adverse weather conditions.
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP): Offers compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought. This program is crucial for ranchers facing limited forage availability due to dry conditions.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): Provides financial assistance for livestock owners, honeybee producers, and fish farmers for losses due to drought and other adverse conditions. This can include assistance for water shortages and feed transportation.
Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): Helps farmers and ranchers restore farmland damaged by natural disasters, including severe drought. It also offers support for emergency water conservation measures.
2. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
Small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and non-profit organizations in Clinton County are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans are designed to provide working capital to help businesses meet their ordinary financial obligations that they cannot fulfill due to the drought. Key details include:
Up to $2 million in loans.
Interest rates of 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for private non-profit organizations.
Terms of up to 30 years, with no interest accruing or payments due until 12 months from the first disbursement.
3. Emergency Loan Assistance through FSA
Farmers in Clinton County can also apply for Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans, which are available due to the county's designation as a contiguous disaster area. These loans can help cover production losses or physical losses due to the drought. Farmers have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for assistance.
4. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Emergency Haying and Grazing
Eligible producers in Clinton County can use land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for emergency haying and grazing if the county reaches a D2 (severe drought) designation or experiences a 40% or greater loss in forage production. This program helps alleviate the burden of feeding livestock during drought conditions.
5. Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)
The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program helps communities mitigate hazards to life and property caused by drought-related erosion. The program supports activities such as reshaping eroded banks, repairing drainage facilities, and reseeding damaged areas.
6. State-Level Resources
Clinton County can also tap into resources provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA). A drought working group has been established to coordinate the state's response and assist local farmers and businesses.
For more information on these programs, Clinton County residents and farmers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit Farmers.gov for additional resources.