Gov. Sam Brownback convened a meeting of Kansas leaders Friday in Topeka to discuss the intensifying toll the drought is taking on Kansas and to identify plans to help Kansans recover from the historic drought.

Brownback also launched Drought.ks.gov, an online resource to provide drought information for all Kansans. The site includes links to state and federal resources for farmers and ranchers, small businesses, Kansans, and cities and counties.

“We cannot predict when this drought will loosen its grip on the state, so we must keep an eye on consequences that may not be felt yet. The message was heard loud and clear today. We can’t predict Mother Nature but we can be prepared. From cleaning ponds and lakes to enable us to catch every drop of water when it does rain, digging deeper wells, conserving water use at home, and developing water management plans, we must work together to recover from this drought and prepare for the future.”

The governor updated the state’s drought disaster declaration late last month to include all 105 Kansas counties in an emergency status. The governor’s drought response team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the effects the drought has on Kansans.