Oregon Board of Forestry Meeting September 4, 2024

A statement from Board Chair Jim Kelly:
"At the beginning of the Board meeting on Sept. 4 I initiated a conversation about a trip Board member Bob VanDyk had made earlier in the summer to NW Oregon. But my words came out sounding like a personal attack and criticism of Bob. I was wrong, and it was inappropriate. I very much regret the incident. And I want to apologize to Bob, to the rest of the Board, and to the public who witnessed what transpired. It was inexcusable. And I broke my own rule of “no surprises."

That said, why did it happen, and what will I do differently in the future? I let multiple frustrations build over several months. I should have dealt with them beforehand, and privately. Second, I arrived at that meeting tired and suffering jet lag. I need to better recognize my limitations, and never again try to run a two-day public meeting when I am not fully rested and prepared.

I also recognize that mistakes like this can offer opportunities for honest and transparent discussions that can lead to process and transparency improvements in the way our Board of Forestry conducts our business going forward. To that end, I am supportive of a planned facilitated discussion involving the entire Board at our upcoming retreat to establish agreed upon expectations for board member roles and responsibilities, as well as expectations for how I can better chair meetings that encourage open and full participation by all our members." - Jim Kelly

00:12:16 Board Roll Call and Meeting Instructions
00:19:57 Agenda Item 1 - State Forester and Board Members Comments
00:43:31 Agenda Item 2 - Public Forum – Day 1
01:16:37 Agenda Item 3 - Fire Season Update
02:23:20 - Consent Agenda Item C – Regional Forest Practices Committee Appointments and Reappointments
02:32:40 - Consent Agenda Item D – Annual Performance Progress Report 2024
02:35:50 Agenda Item 4 - Department Financial Report for June, July, August 2024
02:52:20 Agenda Item 5 - Vision for Oregon’s Forests
04:21:08 Agenda Item 6 - Wildfire Hazard Map Rulemaking
05:37:19 - October Retreat Discussion
Agenda Item 7 - Adoption of Post-Disturbance Harvest Rules – Postponed
06:28:10 Agenda Item 8 - Legislative Report on Private Forest Accord Implementation
06:55:40 Agenda Item 9 - 2024 Climate Smart Award Recognition
07:22:00 Agenda Item 10 - Service Award for Former Board of Forestry Members