Recognizing “very dry conditions,” the state’s [Wyo.] water boss Tuesday declared an emergency to allow ranchers to more easily get water to their stock. State Engineer Brandon Gebhart gave local water supervisors the authority to move what’s known as the “point of use” of water that sustains livestock. Four district supervisors can now authorize the shift in water use with a simple form instead of requiring more burdensome changes to permits at state offices in Cheyenne. The emergency authorization came as the state faces a dire summer, Gebhart told legislators and members of the Water Development Commission on Wednesday.

Other drought impact news around the West: 

• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Colorado’s Drought Task Force ramps up response to record-breaking conditions
• Time Magazine: The worst spring drought on record is putting U.S. crops at risk
• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Denver Zoo slashes water budget amid drought
• The Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Rocky Mountain sandhill cranes battle warmer conditions due to drought
• AP News: Scientists say don’t forget about plants. Climate change is endangering tens of thousands of species
• The New York Times: Opinion: A water doom loop is coming