Gov. Kotek Declares 2026 Drought Emergency for Baker, Two Other Counties

Governor Tina Kotek declared drought emergencies in Baker, Umatilla, and Deschutes counties through Executive Order 26-05, her first such action of 2026, as Baker County's mountain snowpack sits at less than half of average and nearly 65% of its land area has been rated in moderate drought since June 3, 2025.

The declaration directs state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to local growers, livestock operations, and water supplies. It followed a push that began Feb. 18, when the Baker County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to declare a local drought disaster and sent letters to the governor requesting both a state declaration and possible federal aid through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"This allows everybody to plan a little better," said Commissioner Michelle Kaseberg.

Baker County's drought numbers paint a stark picture. A U.S. Drought Monitor map from Feb. 10 showed nearly 65% of the county's northern portion rated in moderate drought; most of the remainder carried an abnormally dry designation, leaving only 4.6% of the county, in the southwest corner, outside those categories. The moderate drought has persisted unbroken since June 3, 2025, and January 2026 ranked as the county's second-driest since World War II.

The declaration opens several immediate channels for water users. The Oregon Water Resources Department can now expedite permit review processes and reduce fee schedules under the emergency order, which draws authority from Oregon Revised Statutes 536.740. Property owners may become eligible for financial assistance and other aid programs, while state water regulators gain added flexibility in allocating water under tight supply conditions. Farmers and ranchers seeking federal assistance should contact their local USDA service center regarding available aid programs. The Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will monitor conditions in coordination with federal partners.

The impacts extend across Baker County's core industries. State officials expect the drought to shorten the growing season, increase wildfire risk through summer, and strain both drinking water supplies and the minimum stream flows required for fish and wildlife. The farm, ranch, recreation, and tourism sectors all face significant economic pressure.

No relief is visible in the forecast. NOAA's spring outlook projects above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation through spring and into summer, and well-below-normal streamflow forecasts are in place for all three counties. Umatilla County has carried moderate to severe drought since May 2025; Deschutes County has seen persistent abnormally dry and moderate drought conditions since June 2025. The governor's office says below-normal precipitation and streamflow are expected to continue through the summer months.