Soil measurements in some areas show no moisture until reaching the two-foot depth level. Our streams and rivers are significantly depleted because of the lack of snow pack and precipitation. This condition equates to less water for irrigators and questionable crop production. We are also faced with shortages in grazing capabilities due to insufficient grasses created by the continuing drought conditions and the 2000 wild fire season. This type of a situation is absolutely unheard of this early.
Agriculture is a mainstay for Montana's economy.
The continuing drought conditions are critically affecting the viability of this economic sector and creating life-altering conditions for our producers. It is time to be proactive and implement the necessary programs to assist Montana's agricultural producers before it is too late for the assistance to be effective. I strongly urge you to approve a Natural Disaster Determination for all 56 counties in Montana as an extension of last year's designation and approve the current CRP grazing request your office received on April 18, 2001. I request these approvals be done immediately upon receipt of this letter. Thank you for your immediate consideration of this most important matter.