Crook County commissioners requested the drought emergency declaration in February. The State Drought Council considered the county’s request at its March 10 meeting, weighing current water conditions, future climatic forecasts, and agricultural impacts.
“Dry conditions in Crook County threaten to result in substantial curtailments of water deliveries to agricultural users and low streamflows later this year,” said Governor Kitzhaber. “We are working at the local, state, and federal levels to reduce threats to agriculture, recreation, and natural resources in the county.”
The Oregon Drought Council made its recommendation to the Governor following the March meeting. The Council meets monthly to assess water conditions around the state.
The Governor’s drought declaration allows increased flexibility in how water is managed to ensure that limited supplies are used as efficiently as possible.
In addition, the Governor is working with Oregon’s federal delegation, state agencies, local governments, and other partners to coordinate efforts and mobilize actions to address drought-related issues.
