May 8, 2015

New site offers updates, conservation tips for dry year

Washington is in a drought. And there is a lot that we can do about it — with help from the just-launched WSU Extension Drought Website.

The new website, developed by WSU Agricultural Weather Network Program (AgWeatherNet) and WSU Extension, shares timely updates and a wealth of water conservation information to help state residents and farmers handle a dry year.

“We are all dependent on our waters,” said Gerrit Hoogenboom, AgWeatherNet director. “The long range weather outlook continues to suggest enhanced odds of warmer and perhaps drier than normal conditions for Washington through early 2016.”

That’s why the drought website was developed: To provide farmers, ranchers, homeowners, foresters and the general public with research-based publications, drought updates, useful links, as well as news on drought-related issues. Topics covered include conservation tips for the home and garden, irrigation management, forestry, crops and livestock.

A Drought Basics page helps residents understand what happens in a drought. There’s also a Washington Drought Twitter feed, where you can sign up to follow updates, and a link to AgWeatherNet, which operates 160 automated weather stations in Washington and Oregon and helps farmers plan and react to weather.

Learn more and sign up for WSU Extension Drought Website updates at http://drought.wsu.edu.