Gov. Brown declares Harney County drought emergency

Governor Kate Brown announced a drought emergency for Harney County Thursday due to low snowpack and precipitation, low streamflows and warming temperatures as Oregon braces for the upcoming wildfire season.

Forecast water conditions are not expected to improve, and drought is likely to have significant impacts on agriculture, livestock, natural resources and the local economy, the governor’s office said in a news release.

Harney County officials requested the state to take action on May 14, and the Oregon Drought Council considered the counties’ 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,” 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.”

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. Drought emergencies have also been declared in Klamath and Grant counties.