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New Hampshire State Drought Programs Program Title: Drought Management Plan Function: Monitoring and Prediction, Response, Communication, Planning Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: Prepared in 1990, the state's Drought Management Plan divides the state into five Drought Management Areas, based on geography, and provides for the systematic assessment of a number of specific drought indicators and characterization in terms of four action levels: Warning, Alert, Emergency, and Disaster. In addition, it specifies a range of appropriate actions defined by assessment of drought severity and duration, but the role of the state is primarily one of coordination, information dissemination and, if necessary, mobilization of personnel and equipment in response to emergencies. The plan also provides a basis for public notice of drought level by means of news releases distributed to the mass media. Statute or Authority: Primary source of authority for implementing drought response rests with the Governor's Emergency Powers under RSA 107-C:4. Agencies (primary agency listed first): Plan establishes a Drought Management Team led by the NH Dept. of Environmental Services. Others include: NH Office of Emergency Mgmt.; NH Office of State Planning; NH Dept. of Ag.; NH Dept. of HHS; NH Dept. of Resources and Econ. Development.; NH Municipal Assoc; NH Water Works Assoc.; NH Business and Industry Association. Customers Served: All citizens of the state Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? Precipitation: 65% of normal over 4 months. Monthly streamflow: 65% of normal over 3 months. Soil moisture: Palmer Drought Severity Index less than -1.0. Groundwater levels: less than lowest 25th percentile. Reservoir levels: 90-day buffer with 85% of normal inflow. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: Lack of metering of water use in many areas Program Limitations: Potential mitigation measures are only generally described in the existing Drought Management Plan. Plan is currently being reviewed and will be revised as necessary. Contact Name and Phone Number: James W. Gallagher, Chief Water Resources Engineer New Hampshire State Drought Programs Program Title: Rivers Management and Protection Program Function: Monitoring and Prediction, Response Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: The state's Rivers Management and Protection Act requires that instream flows be maintained to support instream public uses in rivers that have been designated by the Legislature for special protection. The state is currently developing instream flow rules to implement this requirement. The proposed rules, in their current form, limit consumptive use on or adjacent to public rivers during low flow periods and guarantee minimum flows at hydropower dams so that the extent and severity of low flow conditions and the resultant stress to aquatic life is not unduly exacerbated by human use of water. As low flow conditions occur, consumptive use would be incrementally curtailed to mitigate significant impacts to aquatic life. Statute or Authority: NH Rivers Mgmt and Protection Act (RSA 483) Agencies (primary agency listed first): NH Dept. of Environmental Services Customers Served: All citizens of state Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? As currently proposed, trigger flows are at seasonal Q60, Q80, and Q90 with limits on cumulative watershed consumptive use of 4%, 2%, and 0% (excepting emergency use), respectively. Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: The development of low-flow duration and frequency statistics for the designated stream reaches. Program Limitations: None Contact Name and Phone Number: Paul M. Currier, Administrator, Watershed Management Bureau New Hampshire State Drought Programs Program Title: Woodland Fire Control Function: Mitigation, Monitoring and Prediction, Communication, Response Program Assistance or Functional Assistance: The New Hampshire Forest Ranger staff provide at least annual training to the local fire departments in different aspects of wildland fire presuppression and suppression programs. In times of drought the daily fire weather reports assist the communities in determining whether they should issue fire permits for open burning fires. In prolonged dry times the Governor, upon the recommendation of the Dept. of Resources and Economic Development may, by official proclamation, prohibit smoking in or near woodlands and prohibit the kindling of any open fire in or near woodlands. During these times, fire permits are not issued, thereby reducing the chances of fires starting as well as the use of water for suppression. This also helps to educate local, state and federal officials and the general public about existing dry conditions. Statute or Authority: RSA 227-L:1-24 Agencies (primary agency listed first): NH Dept. of Resources and Economic Development; NH Dept. of Environmental Services; NH Dept. of Safety; U.S. Forest Service; all NH community fire departments Customers Served: NH fire departments and all citizens and visitors to the state Triggering Event or Circumstance-How does this program relate to drought? A prolonged dry spell, with consistent windspeeds in excess of 15 MPH and high incidence of wildland fires (15-20+ fires per day). Unmet Needs at federal, state, local and tribal levels. Includes changes from customer or "provider" perspective: The state cannot obtain the FEPP that communities need to help them suppress the fires nor can the state reach and train all local firefighters in wildland fire suppression. Program Limitations: Illegal fires that are not controlled or significantly reduced following prohibitions. Contact Name and Phone Number: Robert D. Nelson, Chief, NH Fire Dept. of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Forests and Lands, Forest Protection Bureau |