Gov. Kate Brown announced May 24 a drought emergency for Harney County, citing low snowpack and precipitation, low streamflows, and warming temperatures as Oregon braces for the upcoming wildfire season. The county joins Grant and Klamath counties in being in a drought emergency.
Harney County officials requested the state take action. The Oregon Drought Council considered the county’s requests by weighing current water conditions, future climatic forecasts, and agricultural impacts.
“Oregon has already experienced hotter and dryer than usual conditions, and drought conditions in Harney County are expected to worsen in the months ahead,” Governor Brown said. “To minimize the impacts of drought on the local economy and community, I’m directing state agencies to work with local and federal partners to provide assistance to Harney County.”
Forecasted water conditions are not expected to improve. In addition to increasing wildfire risk, drought is likely to have significant impacts on agriculture, livestock, natural resources, and the local economy.
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.