August 5, 2025 3:50 a.m. 

On Monday, Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought in Douglas County.

Executive Order 25-18 directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance in the region.

The Governor’s release said according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Douglas County has been experiencing severe drought since July 15th. Additionally, below normal precipitation, above normal temperatures, below normal streamflow, and soil moisture conditions further indicate that drought conditions are present in the county. Drier and warmer than normal conditions during spring and early summer resulted in a decline in streamflow conditions, despite normal to above normal snowpack conditions.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body comprised of natural resource, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Douglas County Board of Commissioners in July requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Governor Kotek also declared a drought in Morrow and Union counties and has done so for five counties so far this calendar year.