skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: The drought of 1988

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6831841

By most accounts, the drought of 1988 was the worst drought experienced in Wisconsin, and most of the Midwest, since the 1930s. While precipitation levels rebounded somewhat by late fall from the scant levels during the spring and summer months, considerable detrimental effects were felt in many sectors of the state's economy. The drought also took a toll on much of Wisconsin's natural resources and, perhaps most importantly, on the economic well-being of many state residents. This report was prepared to serve as a compendium of information about the effects of the 1988 drought and speculates on the effects of continuing drought on Wisconsin. It is also a compilation of government action in response to the drought and can serve as a guide for use if the current drought continues, or in the event of a future drought. Section 2 provides information on the size, scope and duration of the weather patterns that created the drought. This is important to document the severity of the problem. Section 3 identifies the effect of the drought on various aspects of Wisconsin's economy, and natural and human resources, looking at: permanent and irreversible consequences that have already occurred; additional consequences if drought conditions persist into 1989; and long-term adjustments to be considered. Section 4 discusses the state, local and federal relief programs available to assist drought victims and to respond to the impact on Wisconsin's natural resource base. A variety of information is also appended to this report and is to periodically referenced in the text. 14 figs., 2 tabs.

Research Organization:
Wisconsin Dept. of Administration, Madison, WI (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
WIDOA
OSTI ID:
6831841
Report Number(s):
WDA-90011573; ON: TI90011573
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English