Watch WPT and WPR Drought special online on-demand

July 18, 2012 Erik Ernst Leave a Comment

As much of Wisconsin faces some of the most severe drought conditions in several decades, residents are coping with harsh conditions that are affecting human health, homes, farms, and other businesses.

WPT premiered a special one-hour program with resources, expert advice and information about dealing with the dry conditions. Wisconsin Drought 2012 on Friday, July 20. It will repeat at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, July 22. The special will air on WPR’s Ideas Network at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21. Click here to visit WPR’s drought resource page.

Watch the special online, on-demand below:

Here and Now anchor Frederica Freyberg and WPR’s Joy Cardin cohosted the special report and talked to experts from across the state who assessed the current conditions, offered historical insight, and provided tips and resources for farmers dealing with stunted crops and dehydrated livestock; homeowners facing dry conditions in lawns, trees and gardens; and municipalities coping with an increased fire risk, strain on electrical infrastructures and increased stress on municipal water supplies.

Guest experts include, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Sec. Ben Brancel, Department of Natural Resources Emergency Management Administrator David Woodbury, University of Wisconsin Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences Chair John Martin and WPR Superior Bureau reporter Mike Simonson — who will talk about the recent flooding in that part of the state. Two UW-Extension experts – Lisa Johnson, horticulture educator, and Doug Soldat, Turfgrass and Urban Soil Specialist – will join Freyberg to discuss the ways drought is affecting urban landscapes and tips for protecting lawns, gardens, trees and landscapes. Milwaukee Health Commissioner Bevan Baker will join the show to talk about the human toll the drought’s corresponding heat wave has had in the city.

WISCONSIN DROUGHT RESOURCES

• Full drought resources from the University of Wisconsin-Extension
• Wisconsin Emergency Management Drought Resources
• Link to statement from Gov. Scott Walker: “Gov. Walker requests federal disaster designation for 23 counties due to drought”
• Current National Weather Service Drought Information
• United States Drought Monitor
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Drought Website
• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Drought Website
• Wisconsin State Climatology Office’s Drought Information
• Online marketplace from UW-Extension to help farmers stricken by drought conditions.
• City of Milwaukee Health Information Page

Drought-related coverage from Here and Now

Wisconsin specialty crop expert Anna Maenner breaks down what the unusual weather conditions in Wisconsin may mean for Wisconsin farmers.

Watch Specialty crop expert analyzes the consequences of unusual s on PBS. See more from Here and Now

Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Ban Brancel on the exceedingly dry farming conditions in certain regions of Wisconsin and what the state is doing to help struggling farmers.

Watch Sec. of Agriculture Brancel talks about hot, dry conditions on PBS. See more from Here and Now.

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