February 17, 2023 10:00 a.m.

On Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency in Crook and Jefferson counties.

A release from the Governor’s Office said it directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. This is the first drought declaration of 2023.

Kotek said central Oregon has been facing persistent drought for years due to the ongoing impacts of climate change. Kotek said, “This is already looking like another challenging drought year for the state, which brings higher risks of wildfires and water shortages. I am committed to ensuring that our agencies are working closely with all partners to get those who are most impacted the help they need”.

The drought declaration unlocks a number of drought-related emergency tools for water users, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules.

All or a portion of Crook County has been classified as having exceptional drought conditions since early July 2021. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index, a metric to measure drought conditions, indicates the 36-month average ending in January 2023 is by far the worst on record, according to the release.

The current U.S. Drought Monitor has most of Jefferson County mapped in severe to exceptional drought status. Natural flows and reservoir supplies are at or near all-time lows affecting water users and impacting drinking water, fish, wildlife, and instream uses.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health and emergency response agencies, received requests from the Crook County Court and Jefferson County Board of Commissioners in January requesting Governor’s drought declarations.

The release said 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.