Oregon Governor Kate Brown has declared a drought emergency in Sherman County due to a lack of snow pack and low water conditions. This brings the number of Oregon counties under drought emergency to twenty. Last year, only ten counties had the designation.
Gov. Brown says the signs are already apparent in many of Oregon's rivers, streams, fields and yards.
Gov. Brown: "However, there will also be drought-induced economic consequences that are yet to be fully realized. As a state, we are responsible to prepare for the long-term effects of climate change by investing in drought mitigation, efficiency, and awareness."
In an effort to raise awareness, Gov. Brown has launched the #ORdrought campaign. State agencies are using #ORdrought on social media to inform Oregonians about preparing for, and adapting to drought conditions.