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Resident warns of Forest Service staffing gaps and stalled maintenance in public comment
Summary
Local resident Jose Noriega told the committee Forest Service positions are not being filled except for firefighting roles, an acting ranger will be temporarily assigned from California, and campground maintenance, range allotment processing and NEPA work are stalled — leading to road deterioration and potential asset sales, he said.
In public comment at the end of the meeting, Jose Noriega told the Natural Resources Advisory Committee that Forest Service staffing levels and service delivery in the district are suffering. Noriega said positions are not being filled except for firefighting functions and that an acting ranger would arrive from California for a four-month assignment. He said campground maintenance and NEPA work that began before his retirement has seen little progress, and that roads are deteriorating; he said the Forest Service may need to sell equipment if it is not being used.
Chairman Cody Odgers thanked Secretary Nichole Stephey for her service later in the meeting. Noriega's comments were presented as public comment; no Forest Service representative was present in the minutes to respond during this meeting.
