On May 18 2011, Governor Hickenlooper activated Phase 2 of the State’s Drought Mitigation and Response Plan and the Agricultural Impact Task Force due to deteriorating drought conditions in the Arkansas and Rio Grande River Basins. These basins are likely to receive negative impacts to their environments and to various sectors of the economy, especially agriculture. This action was recommended by the Water Availability Task Force and directors from the Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Local Affairs.

Additional Links and Information:

•  Drought Effects Hits Cotton (February 2012)
• Memo from Ag Impact Task Force to Drought Task Force (November 2011)
• Memo from Ag Impact Task Force to Drought Task Force (September 2011)
• Memo From Ag Impact Task Force to Drought Task Force (August 2011)
•  Secretarial Disaster Designation Letter for Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande & Saguache Counties
•  Memo From Ag Impact Task Force to Drought Task Force (July 2011)
•  Disaster County Map (Yellow = Primary Disaster Counties, Green = Contiguous Counties, Blue = Not Yet Declared)
•  Weekly Wildfire Season Update (Latest Updated: September 26, 2011)
• Governor Hickenlooper Memo to Activate State Drought Plan
• Letter to Governor Hickenlooper Requesting to Activate State Drought Plan 
•  What is Phase 2 and What Happens During this Phase?
•  Annex A to the Colorado Drought Mitigation and Response Plan 
• Memo from Ag Impact Task Force to Drought Task Force (June 2011)
• Colorado Drought Monitor
•  2011 Disaster Assistance Information
• Drought Update (Last Update: March 2012)