The Drought of Summer 2016
South Carolina, especially the northwestern part of the state is experiencing early stages of a drought. Only a half an inch of rain fell in Anderson and Pickens county in June. So far July has seen less than that. South Carolina saw record rainfall and flooding last fall and winter. Just nine months after the flooding throughout the state, the Drought Response Committee is meeting to discuss the current effects of a moderate to severe drought in the Upstate.
The drought South Carolina is experiencing this summer could have economic, environmental, and socially negative effects. When farmers lose crops, or have to spend extra on irrigation and animal supplies, they lose A LOT of money for that year. Farmers take pay cuts, some even get laid off. Businesses who supply farmers with equipment lose money because the farmers cannot afford to buy products from them.
Local farmers of corn, soybeans, and peanuts will be in danger of losing their crops to this summer's drought if rain doesn't offer relief soon. Many farmers across the state are not set up for irrigation - no one expects it not to rain in the Palmetto State during the summer.-
Businesses are also affected during a drought if they are connected to water recreation. Places near lakes, and beaches often have to close, or lose customers because of low water levels.
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| Support local farmers by buying locally grown produce |
Along with the agricultural and economic effects of the drought, a major concern is the environmental effects. With extremely dry areas there is an increased chance of wildfires. When there is a lot of kindling on the forest floor, and careless people who do not take time to properly put out a campfire or cigarette are leading causes of fires. More than 4 out of 5 wildfires across the U.S are caused by human error!
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| An island of Lake Hartwell, Anderson, SC ravaged by a man-made wildfire |
When camping during a dry season it is important to always keep fires small and manageable. I like to call them "Lara Croft Fires" or base camp fires. They are small, just big enough to boil water, cook food, and keep the bugs away. There is no need for a bonfire in the forest. All fires start with a layering of kindling- dry leaves, twigs, pine needles etc- but once you have that going the best thing to do is put larger sticks, even logs on top that will burn slow and easy to maintain. The smaller your burning material is, the faster is will burn, increasing the chances of it getting out of control.
In the past few years multiple wildfires have been started on islands found on Lake Hartwell by people who have not properly put out their fires, or let them get out of control.
This summer it is important to conserve water whenever possible, contribute to local farmers by buying local produce and products, and also be careful when enjoying the great outdoors of South Carolina. We have beautiful forests, beaches, and lakes with islands, let us not burn them down by starting wildfires.
The current drought could last all summer, and this is only the beginning.
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