Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Committee Business topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reappoints officers, approves evaluation and minutes; public comment raises Forest Service staffing concerns
Summary
The committee unanimously reappointed its chairman and vice chairman, approved its 2025 evaluation and the Nov. 18, 2025 minutes, and heard a public comment about Forest Service understaffing and stalled projects.
At the start of the Jan. 20 meeting Chairman Cody Odgers was reappointed for 2026 and Jacob Carter was reappointed as vice chairman; both motions were moved by Member Dave Baker and seconded by Member Ross Rivera and passed unanimously.
Later in the meeting Member William Wilson moved to approve the committee’s 2025 annual evaluation and Member Keith Carson seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Member Dave Baker then moved to approve the Nov. 18, 2025 meeting minutes and Member Ross Rivera seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
During public comment, Jose Noriega said Forest Service staffing and operations were strained: positions were unfilled except for fire roles, NEPA processes that began earlier had seen no movement, campgrounds were difficult to keep open, and an acting ranger would be in place for about four months. The minutes quote Noriega’s concern that "Getting things done was impossible unless it pertained to oil, gas, and minerals."
