Halifax County seeks drought declaration

The Halifax County Board of Supervisors has requested that Halifax County be designated as a drought disaster area as a result of the diminished rainfall and the excessive high temperatures during the 2010 growing season.

A resolution approved by the supervisors Monday night stated that drought conditions are affecting all aspects of agricultural production, including decreased forage production, limited livestock watering capabilities, pastureland conditions, as well as row crop production.

According to estimates from the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Farm Service Agency, the potential yield loss for pasture and grazing land stands at 65 percent; hay loss, 65 percent, corn loss, 75 percent; soybeans, down by 50 percent and tobacco, also a 50 percent loss.

The total losses are estimated to exceed $12.5 million.

The supervisors are seeking an official drought designation from Gov. Bob McDonnell so state and federal government agencies can activate possible resources to lessen and/or mitigate the damages caused by the drought.

In other business Monday night, the supervisors approved four conditional use permits which will allow Clear Signal Towers, LLC to construct 300 foot telecommunications towers along Route 501 North. Three of the sites lie in ED-1, with the first located on the north side of Childrey Church Road, the second on the south side of Volens Road and the third on the east side of Millstone Church Road. The fourth site lies in ED-4 on the south side of Bessie Marion Trail, west of Murphy Grove Road.

Supervisor J. T. Davis, in whose district three of the towers will be located, moved for approval of the first three permits, saying they would satisfy his goal of getting high speed internet and better cell phone service in his community.

Supervisor Doug Bowman moved for approval of the final permit, which includes a dozen accompanying conditions.

Board members also heard a report from the county’s two foresters, who asked for their help in arranging for someone to take over for the late Alex Williamson. “While no one can replace him [Williamson],” said Andrew Brown, “we do need help in carrying out the work of the county which averages 250-300 logging jobs annually and is generally one of the three busiest counties in the state for logging.”

Brown and his co-worker, Alex Stace, said they need help containing and preventing forest fires and working with loggers to try to prevent erosion. They also advise landowners on timber sales and reforestation issues.

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