The USDA has declared natural disaster areas in Inyo County, as well as three counties in Nevada, over what they say is an extreme drought. The agency says the disaster area encompasses areas in the states of California, Nevada and Arizona, and includes Clark, Esmeralda, and Nye counties in Nevada. The declaration allows the USDA and the Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. The loans can be used to meet recovery needs, such as replacing essential items, reorganizing farming operations, and refinancing debts.

Other drought response news:

• Navajo Times: As drought deepens, Navajo water system strains under pressure
• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Denver’s lawn-watering costs are going up for the drought. Here’s how much.
• CBS Colorado: Aurora offers help replacing Colorado lawns with drought-tolerant alternatives​ as drought restrictions tighten
• Bay City News Service (Berkeley, Calif.): New state water plan in the works for a hotter future
• USDA: News release: USDA designates three California counties as natural disaster areas with assistance to 3 contiguous counties in Nevada
• California Department of Water Resources: News release: Record heat sizzled away the snow. Here’s how California is preparing for what’s ahead
• California Department of Food and Agriculture: News release: Secretary Karen Ross introduces California’s plan to help agriculture thrive in a changing climate