Tina Kotek

Via an Executive Order, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Lake County, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region.  According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lake County has been in moderate drought since July 9th.  Drought...

Oregon’s unprecedented wildfire season has had a big impact on the agricultural community; and it’s still unknown how much federal help is coming.  Governor Tina Kotek said the full economic impact of this wildfire season on Oregon’s agriculture community isn’t yet known.   “I’m trying to get out t...

The wildfire season in Oregon is one for the history books in a variety of ways, including for the price tag.   "All of our fires this season have cost about $214 million to fight; that’s on the Forestry side. It’s about $27 million on the State Fire Marshal side," noted Oregon Governor Tina Kotek.  She said she’s work...

On Tuesday, Oregon senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley urged the Department of the Interior to support Governor Tina Kotek’s request for emergency authorizations to allow flexibility in grazing schedules.  Kotek’s request would also use alternative grazing areas in response to the current wildfire disaster in Oregon.     “The grazi...

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is accepting applications to fill three producer positions and one public member position on the Oregon State Board of Agriculture.  Current board members Producer Bryan Harper and Public Member Luisa Santamaria have served two four-year terms and are not eligible for re-appointment.  Board m...

A crisis helpline dedicated to serving Oregon’s agricultural and forestry communities is now open.

Governor Tina Kotek has issued two more drought declarations in Central Oregon.  The emergency declarations for Deschutes and Grant counties clear the way for state coordination of resources in an area now in its fourth year of drought.  ...

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared drought emergencies for Crook and Jefferson counties in the central portion of the state. That now directs agencies to prioritize assistance to the region. Both counties requested the declaration in January...

A new program is underway to use Oregon mass timber products to build small modular homes that can be moved anywhere in the state.  The hope is these smaller homes will help reduce the housing crisis across Oregon.  A $5 million grant from the Legislature with a federal match helped start the program and build the first six homes.   "It's goin...

Central Oregon’s Crook County remains the only place in the western United States under a D-4, or Exceptional Drought, designation.  And again, county leaders have asked for a state drought declaration.  County Judge Seth Crawford says he’s also talked with the Governor about funding a biomass plant that would use juniper trees to create power, but more studies are needed.   “Then we can go to dif