Despite the spotty heavy rains of late, the state Drought Monitor published today keeps most of Columbus squarely in the extreme drought category.
No burn bans have been issued for the area, but outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Whiteville has implemented mandatory water restrictions. County water customers and those on town systems are being asked to conserve whenever possible.
The N.C. State Drought Monitor is updated every Thursday. Columbus and Yadkin counties are currently the only counties in the D3, or extreme, category. Surrounding counties earned the D2, or severe drought, rating.
The state Forest Service is still on high alert in the district, which includes Columbus, Pender, Bladen, New Hanover, Brunswick, and Duplin counties. Rain is forecast every day through Monday, and winds are considered favorable for fire control. Brunswick County has been the busiest place for wildfire activity over the past week.
Lower water levels in the Waccamaw River have led to reports of more damage by feral hogs. The
swine usually forage in more isolated areas of the swamps, but are spreading upriver toward farm fields, causing major damage. Farmers and landowners in several communities have rep[orted large sounders of the hungry provers raiding gardens, corn and soy bean fields, as well as lawns.
Officials are also concerned the swine could have a genitive impact on endangered plant species in the Lake Waccamaw State Park and Green Swamp Preserve.
