May 30, 2023 3:00 a.m.

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Lake and Sherman counties through an Executive Order and has directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

A release from the Governor’s Office said both counties are experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions with over 90 percent of Lake County and 94 percent of Sherman County in drought, according to the United States Drought Monitor. Conditions have progressively worsened over the winter and spring due to well below average precipitation.

The release said while most of Oregon has seen drought conditions improve over the year, drought conditions in Sherman County have worsened from moderate to severe drought due to well below average precipitation. Streamflows in Sherman County are measuring at 88 percent of the long-term average. Likewise, streamflows in northern Lake County continue to measure below average as a result of lower than usual precipitation and little runoff response from snowmelt.

The drought declaration by Governor Kotek 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.

The Oregon Drought Resources Council, a standing body composed of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, received requests from the Lake County Board of Commissioners and Sherman County Board of Commissioners in May requesting drought declarations from the Governor.