Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Wallowa County and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.

“Water scarcity has become the new normal for our state,” Kotek said.

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“We’re seeing counties across Oregon experience longer drought periods at a greater frequency and outside the expected seasonality. It is incumbent on us to chart a proactive path to protect and improve management of our state’s limited water resources for the benefit of healthy ecosystems, thriving communities and a strong economy,” Kotek added in a news release.

Emergency tools

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.

This is Kotek’s third drought declaration of 2024.

In September, Kotek declared a drought in Lake County for the fifth consecutive year.

Kotek declared a drought in Central Oregon’s Jefferson County in June.

Persistent drought

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Wallowa County has been in moderate drought since July 9.

Metrics show long-term drought conditions over the past four years. Additionally, above normal temperatures, below normal precipitation, streamflow and soil moisture indicate persistent drought.

Forecasts suggest conditions won’t meaningfully improve for the remainder of the agricultural season.

Drought is likely to have a significant impact on the agricultural, livestock, natural resource and recreational tourism sectors in Wallowa County.

Ranchers spurred request

Ranchers asked the Wallowa County Commission to seek assistance as water sources for livestock were depleted or vanished, Commissioner Todd Nash previously said.

Commissioners formally declared a drought and a state of emergency with a resolution Oct. 2, and wrote to state officials Oct. 7 seeking a drought declaration from Kotek.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, composed of natural resource, public health and emergency response agencies, heard the request and received input from Oregon’s Water Supply Availability Committee on regional conditions. The council recommended the governor declare drought.

In moderate drought

Roughly 63% of Oregon, including the entirety of Wallowa County, most of Eastern Oregon and portions of Southern Oregon, was in moderate drought as of Oct. 22, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

About 1.5% of the state, in a section of Malheur County, was in severe drought.

Nearly 30% of Oregon, including large swaths of the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley, was abnormally dry.