An estimated 161,000 acres of cropland will be lost to Devils Lake this year, according to North Dakota State University Extension Service on Tuesday.
The lake shrunk in 2012 when drier conditions prevailed. This year's heavy snowpack means the lake will likely grow again.
Direct losses to crops are estimated at $54 million, especially with spring wheat, while the total impact on business activities in the region is estimated at $198 million, NDSU Extension said.
The analysis deals only with crop production and does not include the cost of roads and other infrastructure.
