emergency for Baker and Douglas counties due to low snowpack and precipitation,
low streamflows and warming temperatures. The declaration comes in the last week of spring as Oregon braces for summer wildfires.
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| Above: Spring flowers belie the fact that drought has officially been declared in Klamath County along with four others in eastern Oregon and Douglas County in southern Oregon. |
County is the first county west of the Cascades to receive a drought
declaration.
“All signs point to another record-breaking drought and wildfire season for
Oregon,” Gov. Brown said. “That means we must continue our urgent work
to build communities that are ready for the challenges of climate change. I
have directed state agencies stand ready to help and work with local
communities to provide assistance.”
Forecasted water conditions are not expected to
improve, and drought is likely to have significant impacts on agriculture,
livestock, natural resources, and the local economies. Baker and Douglas
County officials requested the state to take action, and the Oregon Drought
Council considered the counties’ requests by weighing current water conditions,
future climatic forecasts, and agricultural impacts.
The Governor’s drought declaration allows increased flexibility in how water is
managed to ensure that limited supplies are used as efficiently as possible.
Oregon’s state agencies will continue to work with local governments and other
partners to coordinate efforts and mobilize actions to address drought-related
issues. The Governor’s drought declaration authorizes state agencies to
expedite water management tools to which users would not otherwise have access.
As state and local officials coordinate with federal partners, conditions will
be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety
agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Office
of Emergency Management.