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Jackson County declares local drought emergency and asks governor for state declaration
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Summary
Jackson County commissioners unanimously declared a local drought emergency April 1, citing low reservoir and streamflow levels that threaten municipal systems, irrigators and livestock; the board asked the governor to declare a statewide drought and noted emergency water authorities that could follow.
Jackson County’s Board of Commissioners on April 1 unanimously declared a local drought state of emergency and directed staff to request that the governor declare a drought emergency for the county.
County Administrator Danny Jordan told the board that the District 13 Watermaster and the Oregon Water Resources Department find that extreme weather has reduced reservoir and streamflow levels, threatening municipal water systems, irrigators, vineyards and livestock. Jordan said the current elevation at Upper Klamath Lake is 4,142.61 feet, short of a water-rights call elevation of 4,143.00 feet, and that Fourmile Lake—historically diverted for about 6,000 acre‑feet annually—may produce roughly half that volume this season.
The board’s order, No. 78‑26, says the shortages put roughly 40,000 acres of irrigation‑district lands and about 170,000 acres of individually irrigated lands at risk and that extraordinary measures may be needed to protect people, livestock and the local economy. Commissioners approved the order on a motion by Commissioner Randy Sparacino, seconded by Commissioner Colleen Roberts; Commissioners Sparacino, Roberts and Chair Rick Dyer voted aye.
If the governor declares a drought for Jackson County, the Oregon Water Resources Department could use emergency authorities outlined in state law and administrative rules—temporary emergency permits, transfers, instream leases, temporary substitutions of supplemental groundwater for surface rights, temporary exchanges of source and preference of use for human consumption or livestock—cited in ORS 536.750 and the Oregon Administrative Rules in the 690‑019 series. The board’s request to the governor invokes ORS 401.165 and ORS 536.740.
Why this matters: Jackson County’s agricultural and ranching economy depends on predictable reservoir and streamflow supplies from the Rogue and Applegate watersheds. A reduced allocation from Fourmile Lake and low snowpack-driven inflows to other reservoirs such as Emigrant, Howard Prairie and Hyatt Lakes could lead irrigation districts to delay opening day or curtail deliveries later in the summer, the county record states.
Votes at a glance
Order No. 78‑26 — Local drought state of emergency and request to Governor: Approved. Motion: Commissioner Randy Sparacino; second: Commissioner Colleen Roberts. Vote: Sparacino, Roberts, Dyer — aye.
Order No. 79‑26 — Scheduled Airline Operating Agreement and Terminal Building Lease with American Airlines, Inc.: Approved. County staff said American requested a five‑year agreement at Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport; terminal space rent is $48.41 per square foot for fiscal year 2025–26 and the signatory landing fee is $4.41 per thousand pounds. Motion: Commissioner Colleen Roberts; second: Commissioner Randy Sparacino. Vote: unanimous.
Order No. 80‑26 — Grant Agreement No. 9289 with Oregon Housing and Community Services Department: Approved. The grant funds housing navigation, case management and coordination for wildfire recovery related to the 2020 Labor Day Fires and straight‑line winds. Motion: Commissioner Randy Sparacino; second: Commissioner Colleen Roberts. Vote: unanimous.
Order No. 81‑26 — Jackson County services contract with Capitol Asset and Pavement Services, Inc.: Approved. The board authorized a sole‑source determination under local contract review rules and ORS 279B.075 for a review and evaluation of the county’s Pavement Management System. Motion: Commissioner Colleen Roberts; second: Commissioner Randy Sparacino. Vote: unanimous.
Order No. 82‑26 — Owner’s acceptance of bidder’s proposal with LTM Inc., dba Knife River Materials, for Contract No. 02.26SC: Approved. An invitation to bid for hot mixed asphalt concrete (HMAC) was published in late January 2026; two bids were received and LTM Inc., dba Knife River Materials, submitted the lowest bid. The county reserves the right to purchase materials from other suppliers by location or best interest. Motion: Commissioner Randy Sparacino; second: Commissioner Colleen Roberts. Vote: unanimous.
Meeting note: The board opened the meeting at 9:31 a.m., recognized Deputy Travis Ward of the Sheriff’s Office as Employee of the Month and adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
Sources: Jackson County Board of Commissioners minutes, April 1, 2026.