Debate intensifies as committee hears proposal to give governor power to appoint state forester

The Senate Rules Committee held a public hearing March 24 on Senate Bill 1051, which would change the appointment authority for the Oregon State Forester from the Board of Forestry to the governor (with Senate confirmation) and require that either the state forester or deputy state forester be a “practical forester familiar with Western conditions and experienced in organization for the prevention of forest fire,” according to the bill summary and posted -1 amendments.

Jeff Huntington, Senior Natural Resource Policy Advisor to Governor Kotek, told the committee the measure aims to increase executive accountability and improve recruitment. Huntington said the governor’s office coordinates a set of 14 natural‑resource agencies and that placing appointment authority with the governor (and adding Senate confirmation) would align the director’s accountability with the rest of the executive branch. He also said a gubernatorial appointment process can allow confidential…