EXECUTIVE ORDER
23-05

WHEREAS, the negative effects of drought are being experienced in numerous areas across the State of Missouri, including among farmers and agricultural producers; and

WHEREAS, I have been advised by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources that parts of the State of Missouri are experiencing rapidly escalating drought conditions; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates all or portions of 60 counties are in moderate, severe or extreme drought; and

WHEREAS, early response to pending drought can greatly reduce negative impacts upon Missouri citizens; and

WHEREAS, receiving local impact reports from citizens can greatly help ensure Missouri’s drought map is accurate and that decision-makers know what assistance would be most useful to citizens; and

WHEREAS, state and federal agencies have interdependent roles in identifying and mitigating drought impacts; and

WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Plan established pursuant to section 640.415, RSMo, has recommended an update to the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan; and

WHEREAS, the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan calls for intergovernmental communication, cooperation, and coordination of efforts in drought mitigation activities.

NOW THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL L. PARSON, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, do hereby declare a Drought Alert for the counties of Adair, Audrain, Barton, Bates, Benton, Boone, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Chariton, Clark, Clay, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dade, Daviess, Franklin, Gasconade, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Knox, Lafayette, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, Macon, Maries, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Moniteau, Monroe,  Montgomery, Morgan, Osage, Pettis, Pike, Polk, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Saint Clair, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, Sullivan, Vernon.

I further direct that as additional counties enter moderate, severe, extreme, or exceptional drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, they shall be declared in Drought Alert in accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan.

I order and direct the Director of the Department of Natural Resources to activate and designate a chairperson for the Drought Assessment Committee and request that all Missouri and federal agencies participate as needed.

I further direct the Director of the Department of Natural Resources to promote the use of the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) to better identify statewide and localized drought impacts.

I further direct all state agencies to provide assistance in mitigating the effects of drought conditions in all affected communities.

This Executive Order shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until December 1, 2023, unless terminated or extended by subsequent order.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 31st day of May, 2023.

[Michael L. Parson's signature]
MICHAEL L. PARSON
GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

[Jay Ashcroft's signature]
JOHN R. ASHCROFT
SECRETARY OF STATE

.pdf version