1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express serious concerns over the proposal to eliminate the Oklahoma Forestry Department. Protecting our state's forests and natural resources is of utmost importance for preserving our environment, mitigating wildfires, and safeguarding public safety. The recent criticism regarding the department's wildfire response appears to stem from a lack of transparency about asset deployment. However, dissolving an entire agency dedicated to forest management is an overreaction that could have severe consequences. Instead of outright elimination, I urge you to investigate ways to improve communication, accountability, and resource allocation within the existing department structure. Oklahoma's forests are a precious natural asset that require expert management and stewardship. The potential $75 million in savings from eliminating the Forestry Department pales in comparison to the long-term costs of neglecting our woodlands. Reallocating funds to local fire departments, while well-intentioned, fails to address the crucial role of professional forestry personnel in preventing and mitigating wildfires through proactive land management practices. I implore you to reconsider this proposal and work collaboratively with the Forestry Department, firefighters, and stakeholders to strengthen wildfire preparedness and response capabilities. Protecting our state's natural resources should be a top priority, and maintaining a dedicated agency for this purpose is essential.