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
Agenda
Public meeting board packet (printable)
The board is scheduled to meet in person on Wednesday, September 5, and Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Salem, Oregon. Each day of the meeting will be live-streamed. An opportunity for live testimony is available for specific items. The board will have limited time scheduled for live testimony, but written testimony is also welcomed.
- Testimony will not be accepted for consent agenda, work sessions, or items where the public comment period has already closed. These items are identified in the agenda with an asterisk (*).
- Written testimony can be submitted by mail or email at boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.
- Written testimony sent 72 hours or more before the meeting will give the board time to review and consider the information. Any testimony submitted after that window of time will be sent to the board after the meeting but entered into the record and posted online. The board will be accepting written testimony on this agenda's topics until September 19.
To sign up for remote and live testimony, click on the provided link to register for specific item.
https://signup.com/go/NJxEXLe
Consent Agenda Items* A | B | C | D | E | F
Item 1 – State Forester and Board Member Comments
Item 2 – Public Forum - Day 1
Item 3 – Fire Season Update
Item 4 – Department Financial Report for June, July, August 2024
Item 5 – Vision for Oregon’s Forests
Item 6 – Wildfire Hazard Map Rulemaking
Item 7 – Adoption of Post-Disturbance Harvest Rules
Item 8 – Legislative Report on Private Forest Accord Implementation
Item 9 – 2024 Climate Smart Award Recognition
Item 10 – Service Award for Former Board of Forestry Members
Item 11 – Public Meeting opening Comments
Item 12 – Public Forum - Day 2
Item 13 – Monitoring Unit Annual Update
Item 14 – Forest Health Unit Annual Update
Item 15 – Committee for Family Forestlands (CFF) Annual Report
Item 16 – Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan Implementation Scenarios
Item 17 – Wrap-up and Closing Comments
For those that prefer, live testimony slots may be available the day of the event. All public comments are first-come, first-served.
If you require accommodations, contact the Oregon Department of Forestry at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov or call 503-945-7210.