To: Board of Supervisors
From: Sheriff-- Drought Task Force
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
SUBJECT:
title
9:30 am - Update from the Drought Task Force addressing whether to maintain the drought proclamation, decision on whether irrigation water for cannabis should be curtailed, update on addressing wells use and direction to create a resiliency coordinator.
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive the Report from the Drought Task Force; and
2. Receive an update on the Resiliency Coordinator position and direct staff to return to the Board with the necessary documentation to create and allocate the position to the Office of Emergency Services.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100), Public Health Fund (1175)
DISCUSSION:
1. Drought Proclamation. The early rainfall brought hopes that the drought was over but the rainfall did not continue into January. Precipitation in Humboldt County is currently below normal for this time of year. It is unlikely that heavier than normal rains in February and in the spring months will alleviate this situation, as the long term forecasts do not anticipate heavier than normal rainfall. Long-term precipitation outlooks are indicating some uncertainty what late winter and early spring may bring, with equal chances of below average and above average rainfall at least through April, 2022.
The US Drought Monitor currently indicates that the Southeastern and Northeastern portions of the county continue to experience "Severe Drought" conditions, while the majority of the county is experiencing "Moderate Drought" conditions. The factual data points to continued concern for continued drought within the county and State of California. In looking at this it does not seem warranted to remove the drought proclamation completely as that may give people the wrong impression that the drought is over.
There are two recommended options that would address the continued dro...
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