Oregon's longstanding relationship with big trees--vertical and otherwise--consigns us to frequent adjustments in policy and personnel. State Senator Jeff Golden of Ashland addresses both areas in a pair of bills moving through the current legislative session.
One would potentially change the membership of the Oregon Board of Forestry; the other directs the Oregon Department of Forestry to make recommendations on wildfire prevention.
Both bills are light on wording and heavy on implication. Sen. Golden visits with his thinking. He reports that as of March 31st, he's pulled back his bill on the Foresty Board change, pending the outcome of mediation sessions between the industry and conservation groups organized by Governor Kate Brown.