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\dghshow1\dgvshow1\jexpand\viewkind5\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\allowfieldendsel\rsidroot15873485 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\pgbrdropt32\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}} {\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \s3\qc \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1 \b\fs27\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f308\insrsid12806188 State of Maine}{\insrsid12806188 \line }{ \f308\insrsid12806188 Drought Task Force}{\insrsid12806188 \line }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Report on Current Conditions}{\insrsid12806188 \line }{\f308\insrsid12806188 November 14, 2001}{\insrsid12806188 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph45\trleft-90\trbrdrt\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trbrdrl\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trbrdrb\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trbrdrr\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trftsWidth3\trwWidth10170\trautofit1\trspdl15\trspdt15\trspdb15\trspdr15\trspdfl3\trspdft3\trspdfb3\trspdfr3\trpaddl45\trpaddt45\trpaddb45\trpaddr45\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clbrdrl \brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clbrdrb\brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clbrdrr\brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clcbpat16\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth2\clwWidth5000\clcbpatraw16 \cellx10080\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f308\insrsid12806188 The Drought Task Force issued reports previously on August 27 and September 26, 2001. }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Changes from the September report are highlighted}{ \b\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 .}{\insrsid12806188 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\ipgp1 {\fs20\insrsid12806188 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph45\trleft-90\trbrdrt\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trbrdrl\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trbrdrb\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trbrdrr\brdroutset\brdrw30\brdrcf1 \trftsWidth3\trwWidth10170\trautofit1\trspdl15\trspdt15\trspdb15\trspdr15\trspdfl3\trspdft3\trspdfb3\trspdfr3\trpaddl45\trpaddt45\trpaddb45\trpaddr45\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clbrdrl \brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clbrdrb\brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clbrdrr\brdroutset\brdrw15\brdrcf1 \clcbpat16\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth2\clwWidth5000\clcbpatraw16 \cellx10080\row }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Overview}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 The Drought Task Force held a third fall meeting on November 14, 2001, and determined that drought conditions persist across the state.}{\f308\insrsid12806188 The Task Force is composed of state, federal and private scientific, natural resource, water use and regulatory agencies . It meets in periods of lowered water resources to share available information across the represented disciplines, and determine what action on the part of the member agencies is necessary or appropriate. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 The following report summarizes the findings of t his meeting. Throughout the report, additional sources may be cited for further information. The primary Internet "portal" to continuing information on drought conditions is the Drought Page maintained by the US Geological Survey (USGS), accessible at } {\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://me.water.usgs.gov" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://me.water.usgs.gov}}}{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://me.water.usgs.gov." \\t "_top" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 .}}}{\f308\insrsid12806188 }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Additional sources of information are listed at the end of this report. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Hydrologic Conditions}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\i\f308\insrsid12806188 Stream Flows and Storages}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 All flows on free-f lowing streams in Maine remain at or near record lows. A new record low has been set on the Narraguagus River. In some rivers, such as the west branch of the Penobscot, FERC licensees may have difficulty maintaining flows that are above mandated low flow levels.}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Low flows may impact adversely upon water treatment plants; the Department of Environmental Protection will work closely with water treatment facilities as these conditions persist.}{\f308\insrsid12806188 }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\i\f308\insrsid12806188 Storages}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Storages are low above most dams in the state. Power production has been stepped back at many sites. This does not appear to have endangered the amount of power available in the state. One paper mill, which produces its own power, has had to purchase fuel to produce power to supplement available hydro power, adding to manufacturing costs. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Low storage levels in the fall will mean careful monitoring and management of levels through the winter, as these impoundments will not typically recharge during the winter months.}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\i\f308\insrsid12806188 Ground Water}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Ground water levels are generally still declining, as they have been throughout the summer. All monitoring sites are at or near record lows. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Ground water levels traditionally recharge in late October and November. That recharge doe s not appear likely to occur this year before the ground freezes. This means that ground water levels will probably remain low through the winter. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 For more information on stream flows and groundwater: }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://me.water.usgs.gov" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://me.water.usgs.gov}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Climatic Conditions }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 A precipitation deficit of up to almost 23 inches over the last 13 months exists in some parts of the state}{\f308\insrsid12806188 . The precipitation deficit is defined as the difference between normal and actual precipitation totals. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 The Palmer index, a matrix of several factors such as temperature, precipitation and soil moisture, shows }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 severe drought throughout the state. Approximately 8 to 8.5 inches of precipitation would be needed in one week to bring the index up to normal.}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 The last season with above average precipitation was the spring of 2000. 2001 is on track to be the driest year in 107 years of record keeping. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\i\f308\insrsid12806188 Background information}{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 : }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://www.umaine.edu/maineclimate" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://www.umaine.edu/maineclimate}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/ol/climate/research/prelim/US/US_prelim.html" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/ol/climate/research/prelim/US/US_prelim.html} }}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/prelim/drought/spi.html" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/prelim/drought/spi.html}}} {\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/prelim/drought/palmer.html" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/research/prelim/drought/palmer.html}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/cdus/palmer_drought/" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/cdus/palmer_drought/}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://enso.unl.edu/ndmc/enigma/indices.htm" \\l "palmer" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://enso.unl.edu/ndmc/enigma/indices.htm#palmer}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Weather Outlook}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Short term forecast show the potential for minimal showers in northern Maine, but little to no rainfall elsewhere. The 6 to 10 day, 8 to 14 day and long range outlook all call for normal to below normal precipitation. If these forecasts hold true through November, drought conditions will persist. The "wild card" would be a tropical system, which cannot be predicted in long range forecasting, and could deposit large amounts of rain in a short time. However, as the tropical season winds down, this scenario does not appear likely. A coastal system could have a similar affect, but none are forecast for the near future.}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 The National Weather Service Forecast Offices in Gray and Caribou will publish a Drought Information Statement every 2 weeks as lo ng as conditions warrant. These statements, as well as other NWS forecasts and information, may be found online at: }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/gyx" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/gyx}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/car" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/er/car}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://www.state.me.us/mema/weather/genweath.htm" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://www.state.me.us/mema/weather/genweath.htm}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Fire Potential}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Fire danger across the state is rated generally low, as of November 14.}{\f308\insrsid12806188 The Maine Department of Conservation is maintains a "Fire Danger" web page, updated daily. The address is: }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 HYPERLINK "http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/firedanger/fire.htm" }}{\fldrslt {\cs15\b\f308\ul\cf2\insrsid12806188 http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/firedanger/fire.htm}}}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Agricultural Impact}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 The army worm infestation and subsequent hot and dry weather affected hay and silage yields, as well as pasture land. Second and third crops of hay were wiped out. Because of dry pastures, farmers have had to begin to feed their winter hay and stored feed 4 to 6 weeks earlier than usual. }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Water supply has also become an issue for many farmers. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 A request for agricultural disaster is currently being prepared for both the army work infestation and the drought. If this assistance is received from the US Departm ent of Agriculture, farmers will be able to apply for low-interest loans to offset some of their losses.}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Water/Waste Water Impact}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Water districts in Calais, Island Falls, New Portland, Winter Harbor, East Millinocket, Monson and Port Clyde have requested t heir customers implement voluntary conservation. Castine and Boothbay Harbor have implemented mandatory conservation measures. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 County Emergency Management Directors and the State Drinking Water program report that they are receiving calls from individuals with water supply problems. The majority of calls at county level are from individuals with dug wells, which are typically more vulnerable in periods of drought. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Demand for water well drilling has been high across the state this summer. Many drillers are booked 6 weeks to 3 months in advance. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Natural Resources Impact}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Low stream flows are reducing the quantity and quality of habitat for Atlantic salmon and other species with similar habitat and fall spawning requirements such as brook trout and landlocked salmon. At monitoring sites in the Narraguagus and tributaries, salmon population levels vary, with some above and some below normal. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 Persistent low flows may interfere with the development of eggs of these species. The impact of the current low flows on fish populations may not be seen for some time. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Available Assistance}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Assistance for individuals is limited. Some assistance for low income homeowners with water supply problems is offered through the USDA, Rural Development, Single Family Housing 504 Loan and Grant programs. More information about this program is avail able by calling one of three area offices in the state: }{\insrsid12806188 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\fs20 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard\plain \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f308\insrsid12806188 Presque Isle (serves Aroostook and Washington Counties): 764-4155/4157.}{\insrsid12806188 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\fs20 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-360\li720\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\jclisttab\tx720\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\ipgp1 {\f308\insrsid12806188 Bangor (serves Hancock, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset and Waldo Counties): 990-3676}{\insrsid12806188 \par {\listtext\pard\plain\f3\fs20 \loch\af3\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7\tab}}{\f308\insrsid12806188 Lewiston (serves Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, Sagadahoc, and York Counties): 753-9400}{\insrsid12806188 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 As noted above, aid for farmers may become available if an agricultural disaster declaration is received for the state. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\ul\insrsid12806188 All possible avenues for additional funding are being explored}{\f308\insrsid12806188 . }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Next Steps}{\insrsid12806188 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\hich\af3\insrsid12806188 \loch\af0\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7}{\insrsid12806188 }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Continue to look at contingencies to assist communities with water supply problems if necessary. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\hich\af3\insrsid12806188 \loch\af0\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7}{\insrsid12806188 }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Continue to search for programs to assist citizens with water supply problems. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\hich\af3\insrsid12806188 \loch\af0\dbch\af0\hich\f3 \'b7}{\insrsid12806188 }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Through County Emergency Management Age ncies, alert communities to review their plans and consider how they can support private citizens and businesses with water supply problems. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li0\ri0\sb100\sa100\sbauto1\saauto1\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\ipgp1 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Conclusion}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 The Drought Task Force, meeting on November 14, concurred that drought conditions continued to exist across the State of Maine, and that constant monitoring should continue in the different disciplines of member agencies. }{ \f308\ul\insrsid12806188 It was noted that time for recharge before the ground freezes is limited, and low stream flow and ground water conditions could therefore persist into next spring. }{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\f308\insrsid12806188 Task Force member agencies will continue to actively share information from their respective disciplines. The Task Force will meet again in mid-January, to review the conditions at that time and look at the prognosis for spring run-off and precipitation.}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:}{\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 U.S. Geological Survey}{\insrsid12806188 \line }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 207-622-8202}{\b\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 National Weather Service, Gray, Maine}{\b\insrsid12806188 \line }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 207-688-3216}{\b\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 National Weather Service, Caribou, Maine}{\b\insrsid12806188 \line }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 207-496-8931}{\b\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Maine Department of Conservation, Maine Geological Survey}{\b\insrsid12806188 \line }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 207-287-2801}{\b\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Maine Emergency Management Agency}{\b\insrsid12806188 \line }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 207-626-4503}{\b\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Maine Department of Agriculture}{\b\insrsid12806188 \line }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 207-287-7600}{\b\insrsid12806188 \par }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 Department of Conservation, Maine Forest Service}{\b\insrsid12806188 \line }{\b\f308\insrsid12806188 207-827-6191}{\b\insrsid12806188 \par }}