Three more Oregon counties get drought declaration

Gov. Kate Brown has declared a drought in three more Oregon counties due to low water levels and record low snowpack.

Crook, Harney and Klamath counties are the latest to receive drought declarations, following Lake and Malheur counties last month.

The declarations allow increased flexibility in how water is managed and make farmers and ranchers in those counties eligible for federal aid.

“Oregon’s unusually warm and dry winter has potentially dire consequences,” Brown said. “By enlisting the support of our state and federal partners, we will be best able to ensure the safety of the residents of Crook, Harney, and Klamath counties, as well as their livelihoods and property.”

The U.S. Drought Monitor puts 45 percent of Oregon in severe drought, and most of the four most southeast counties in extreme drought.

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