Monroe County’s extreme drought results on agriculture and life-style

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Much of Monroe County is going through a severe drought, with rainfall amounting to roughly half an inch throughout September.

Currently, Monroe County is seeing low humidity all through the day in addition to excessive winds. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Director of Emergency Management, Corey Lehman, stated these components, mixed with the falling of dry leaves, might doubtlessly result in a wildfire.

“While the relative humidity is low, there’s fuel available and there’s winds,” Lehman stated. “There’s at all times a possible for wildfire. And that’s the place folks can do their elements to restrict any of their actions that will trigger a wildfire. Or in the event that they see a wildfire, report it to native authorities as quickly as doable in order that we will instantly assault it.

Typically, a drought like this might have an effect on agriculture, together with Christmas Tree farms. However, homeowners at Cobble Creek Farm stated they had been properly ready for this drought, with most of their bushes rising performed in July.

“Farming in general is tough to begin with, so the dry weather doesn’t help at all,” Co-owner of Cobble Creek, David VerHulst, stated. “You got to keep stuff irrigated, which is a pain. And it just it’s not conducive for ideal growing conditions. Honestly, I don’t think anybody’s going to notice a difference between this year and last year. You know, we’d notice that because, you know, we’re seeing it every day, but I don’t think anybody would see a difference.”

Despite agriculture not being too affected by the drought, the Director of Emergency Management advises the general public to maintain a cautious eye out for potential hearth hazards, in addition to updates on the drought, together with restrictions and public security warnings.

In the meantime, the New York State Drought Management activity drive is assembly weekly and intently monitoring the state of affairs because it progresses.

“They’re evaluating all parameters,” Lehman stated. “That includes making sure that any critical thresholds that we’re looking for, if those are met, then you’ll start to see an elevation in our posture. As far as watches, warnings, emergencies. So continue to pay attention to that. Please pay attention to any announcements from the governor or from the state, from the DSE, and adhere to any restrictions that come into play.”

Lehman additionally prompt residents prohibit water use every time doable, together with taking shorter showers, combining laundry hundreds into one, and avoiding over-watering gardens and lawns.