State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the entire state is now at a high risk for fires, meaning that any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up.
He said as of August 19, there are currently six active fires across the state, burning 47.1 acres of land.

The majority of those were started by unattended campfires.

The DEC continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to follow the recommendations below to reduce the risk of wildfires:
– Use existing campfire rings where possible;
– Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
– Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;
– Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly.

For more information on open burning visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/32060.html and for campfire safety in New York, visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7827.html

Governor Kathy Hochul directed the State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue the watch after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies.

New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch.

While few public water supply challenges have been reported due to dry conditions, below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low streamflows, and low groundwater levels prompted the need for action to ensure adequate public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.

DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. Observed precipitation has been less than normal with shortfalls of two to six inches common over the last 90 days. The dry weather began in the spring and is beginning to significantly affect other metrics. Stream flows and groundwater levels are well below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have been declining over the past few months and they are not expected to improve in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit.

The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation.

To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:
• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.

For more tips, visit the DEC’s webpage at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5009.html.

For more information about drought in New York, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5011.html

Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning)

JAMESTOWN – The rain we received overnight is a welcome sight for farmers and residents across the region, but it’s still not anywhere near the amount that is needed to help relieve drought conditions.

Last week the State DEC declared a Drought Warning for much of New York State, including Chautauqua County.  According to recent news reports, rainfall totals for many areas in the region are 8 to 9 inches below the average amount that has fallen by this time in any given year.

To respond to the drought, Senator Chuck Schumer called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to begin monitoring the situation so it can be prepared to offer drought relief funding for farmers who are affected by the weather.

On Monday, WRFA asked Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23) about the drought in the 23^rd congressional district. He said it is something his office in is monitoring and he’s obviously concerned about.

“It’s definitely something we are involved with and are participating in. We just had a meeting with our New York Farm Bureau representative, which is a great voice for the agricultural community across Western New York,” Reed said. “The drought is real and it is significant, so we are asking [the Farm Bureau] to make sure that all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed in preparation for a potential declaration coming down the pipeline. But that all depends on the next few weeks and the weather and what the crop yields are going to be.”

Reed also noted that his congressional district has a significant amount of agriculture industries and nearly every single one is being impacted by the dry weather.  They include corn, onions, potatoes, applies, and various other specialty crops.

“On top of that you’ve got feed supplies for our dairy farmers and the other supply chains. The vineyards seem to be a little bit heartier than some of our other specialty crops, but the grapes are something that could be impacted too,” Reed said.

This can yield more flavorful wines and potentially some new variations of flavors as well. There is one negative; however, of having a lower crop yeild.

In regard to the grapes in our area, some specialists say that while a drought my result in a lower grape yield, it may also lead to more flavorful wines and potentially some new variations of flavors.

Schumer is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin the process of issuing a disaster declaration to help Upstate New York farmers who suffer major losses and crop damage from the severe drought this summer. The request come after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation last week declared a drought warning for much of WNY, including Chautauqua County.

Schumer is asking the USDA to stand ready to issue a secretarial disaster declaration so low-interest emergency loans can be made available to eligible farmers. In addition, the senator is calling for USDA to work with farmers to document losses and process their claims for USDA disaster assistance programs.

This year’s drought could have severe impact on farmers who could suffer from complete -or-partial crop or pasture losses, water shortages, and water restrictions. According to the Senator, small farmers across many counties have already detected evidence of serious drought conditions, which is why Schumer is calling on the USDA to mobilize resources well in advance it can deliver quick relief to impacted farmers and growers.

On Wednesday the DEC issued a Drought Warning for several areas of Western New York, including Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, and Allegany Counties.

The warning was issued after the DEC consulted with experts from the State Drought Management Task Force and Federal technical agencies.

The remainder of the State remains under a previously declared Drought Watch.

A “warning” is the second of four levels of state drought advisories (“watch,” “warning,” “emergency” and “disaster”).

There are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place under a drought watch or warning but citizens are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may impose water use restrictions depending upon local needs and conditions.

For tips on water conservation, visit the DEC’s webpage.