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Forestry agency credits prior pay increases for improved hiring, requests flat budget with salary authority to finish pay plan
Summary
The state forestry agency told the Appropriations Subcommittee its FY26 request is largely flat; it seeks additional salary authority to complete a personnel plan approved by the State Personnel Board after drought-driven beetle damage and higher wildfire risk increased demand for foresters and firefighters.
A forestry agency official told the Appropriations Subcommittee the agency’s fiscal 2026 request seeks to maintain current general and special fund levels while carrying additional salary authority to complete a multi-year personnel plan approved last year.
The official said the 2023 drought produced a surge in southern pine beetle damage and higher fuel loads, increasing landowner requests for assistance and putting pressure on forest health and wildfire response workloads. The official…
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