Pic Today 7/18/12

DROUGHT AND HEAT

LOWER MISSOURI'S RIVERS

Our continued drought and record heat

are now taking their toll on Missouri's rivers & streams.

Water levels are at record lows

which is now affecting barge and boat traffic,

sport fishing and Missouri's famed floating industry.

(Streams are getting too low to "float"

in canoes and inner tubes.)

Streams are low enough to walk across,

and 70% of Mississippi barge traffic is

tied up at docks, unable to transport freight.

Trout and bass populations are not in danger

due to the fact that most Missouri streams are spring fed.

But farmers without irrigation have lost most of their corn crop.

Missouri's governor has called for federal disaster

declaration in all 114 Missouri counties.

Most municipalities have put strict limitations

on home and lawn watering.

And to think Missouri is considered a

"water rich" state!