With the record low levels of snow we saw over the past winter continuing into extremely sparse rainfall so far this summer, it’s certainly no surprise that everything’s looking pretty parched around here.  With June 2012 precipitation at its lowest in years, the drought conditions we’ve experienced so far border on the absurd. To many that reside here, what is now our reality was once almost inconceivable.

According to the most recent information available from the U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 70 percent of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought.  And if that news isn’t bad enough, drought conditions for those of us living in Steamboat Springs and Routt County, Colorado were upgraded last Thursday to the “Exceptional” category.  That’s about as bad as it gets, folks.

So… as it looks like we’re all in for a hot, dry summer, this is a great time to consider ways that we can help to lessen our impact on our already extremely stressed environment.  Are mandatory water restrictions or fire bans in place in your area?  Have you been strongly encouraged to stay out of the river?  If so, please take heed!  These rules are in place for a reason and by working together to ensure that they are followed, we create the safest and healthiest possible environment for ourselves, as well as the fish and wildlife with which we share our home.