There has been little new rain since the big storm nearly three weeks ago,with many storm systems passing by. Total precipitation at my station for the month so far is just over 50.3mm. Climate normal for July as measured at the nearby airport is 110.0mm; total precipitation at the airport to date in July is 126.9mm. Lower Black Sturgeon Lake level has dropped 3” since the beginning of the month. Forest fire hazard remains high with restrictions in place. Air quality has been variable from nearby forest fires, but overall not severe. Ditches are dry. Spruce that had early indications of disease earlier this spring have rapidly browned over. Underbrush is very dry. Gardens require watering daily. Blueberry picking has begun, with early picking looking plentiful.  Fawns are on the move with their does. Lake life on the weekends has been busy with recreational boating and lots of beach activity. Mosquito activity has decreased.