On Tuesday, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency for three Oregon counties due to drought to mitigate impending “natural and economic disaster” caused by drier than normal conditions.
The order covers Baker, Deschutes and Umatilla counties, all of which have experienced unusually dry weather since late spring or early summer of 2025, according to the order text.
Kotek’s office said in a statement on Tuesday that the situation shows no signs of abating this year, as rainfall and water flows are expected to be below average heading into the summer.
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“Drought could have significant economic impacts on the agriculture, livestock, natural resource, and recreational tourism sectors and increase the risk of wildfires,” Kotek’s order said.
Kotek’s office said her drought order allows counties to use a variety of emergency tools. It directs the Oregon Department of Agriculture to seek federal help to reduce the impact of drought on farmers and ranchers. It also calls on the Department of Fish and Wildlife to understand how water shortages are affecting wildlife and direct state water agencies to help water users in those counties.
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