Ecology: Farmers Continue To Work To Save Soil During Dust Storms

With soil moisture levels so low across the Inland Northwest, we’ve already seen a few dust storms, and the Washington Department of Ecology says the area could see many more as the weather warms. The DOE’s Andrew Wineke said since a notable portion of the dust storms across the region come from agricultural sources, the Department has worked with farmers for several years on mitigation efforts.

“Trying to promote practices like no-till that can reduce soil erosion.  And we’ve had a lot of success there.  I don’t think we’ll ever do away with dust storms completely but we’re doing what we can to reduce them and protect the land and the soil.”

Wineke said if you come across a dust storm, slowdown turn on your headlights and drive with caution. Several dust storms have been reported across Central Washington, stretching from Omak to the Oregon border, and until the region receives measurable rain, the possibility of dust storms will persist.

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