Disaster declaration confirmed

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that Campbell County has been granted a primary disaster designation, with contiguous disaster declarations for five counties, including Crook.

This designation acknowledges the damages and losses that have been caused by wildfire and opens access to emergency loans to meet recovery needs.

“I appreciate USDA’s recognition of the incredible impacts Wyoming agriculture producers are experiencing this year due to wildfire,” Governor Mark Gordon commented in a press release.

“Fire season is not over in Wyoming. We have multiple large fires still burning, with more fire weather forecast for the coming days. It is critical that we all do our part and exercise caution when working and recreating in our beautiful state.” 

With the disaster designation in place, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) can now extend emergency credit to producers recovering from the large-scale wildfires that have burned over 629,000 Wyoming acres.

“Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans,” wrote Thomas Vilsack, Secretary of the USDA, in a letter confirming the designations.

“FSA considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, taking into account the

extent of production losses on the farm and the security and repayment ability of the operator.”

In addition, he wrote, “We are currently working with the Wyoming State FSA Office to provide similar benefits through an Administrator’s Physical Loss Notification (APLN). An APLN would also provide

emergency loan assistance to affected producers who suffered from physical losses within in the state such as cattle loss or fencing damage.”

Wyoming State Conservationist Jackie Byam has the authority to waive certain aspects locally, such as fence designs and grazing deferrals under the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, to streamline the needed recovery work.