Gov. Tina Kotek declared a drought in southeast Oregon’s Harney County on Nov. 22 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

“I find that long-term drought conditions as well as above normal temperature and below normal soil moisture conditions have caused or will cause natural and economic disaster conditions in Harney County,” Kotek wrote.

The Harney County Court voted unanimously to declare a drought emergency during a special meeting Oct. 25 and requested assistance in a letter to the state.

“Harney County agricultural and livestock industries and related economy are suffering widespread and severe economic damage, potential injuries and and loss of property resulting from extreme weather conditions,” the court wrote.

Pasture shortages, decreases in feed production, more calf deaths, later livestock turn-out dates, a shortened growing season and decreased water supplies were all impacts.

Natural resources, recreational tourism and related economies also were suffering.

“The lack of seasonal moisture puts the entire region in danger of wildfires,” the court wrote, adding that ranchers and farmers had been hampered by the Falls, Telephone and other wildfires this summer.

“Additional impacts to our livestock and agricultural producers would be devastating,” the court wrote.

Persistent drought

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, portions of Harney County have been in moderate drought since early July.

Drought metrics and factors such as below normal precipitation, above normal temperatures, streamflow and soil moisture conditions indicate persistent drought.

Harney County is the fourth drought declaration in Oregon this year. In September, Kotek declared a drought in Lake County for the fifth consecutive year. Drought was declared in Central Oregon’s Jefferson County in June and for Wallowa County, in northeast Oregon, in October.

The drought declaration by Kotek unlocks several drought-related emergency tools, including assistance to local water users.

Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fees.

As state and local officials coordinate with state and federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and safety agencies.

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