[ODF_Private_Forests] Message from State Forester Doug Decker

[WEEKS Kevin]

From: DECKER Doug S
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 5:32 PM
Subject: Governor's Budget | First Day Observations

Hello. It's been an interesting first day on the job...

Today the Governor released his proposed budget for the 2011-2013 biennium, which begins next July 1. It's an important first step in the budget-building process that will unfold in the legislature over the next five months or so. And I'm glad to be able to tell you that all in all, it's an encouraging budget for ODF.

As the Governor made clear, this budget reflects the need to streamline government, to use proven strategies for revitalizing our struggling economy, and to focus on priorities during these difficult times. It suggests that our work in ODF is among those priorities. It proposes no reductions beyond those we have already made. Indeed, it would allow us to regain some ground we have lost in our capacity to implement the Forest Practices Act.

The budget does propose a departure from the current 50-50 split, between landowners and the state General Fund, in the cost of basic fire protection. The new ratio would increase the landowners' share to 55 percent. However-and this is important-the Governor expressed his desire to offer a supplemental budget request in the near future that would restore the 50-50 balance.

The budget would also add $1.2 million in General Funds, above the current service level, for implementation of the Forest Practices Act, one of our utmost responsibilities. Together with matching Forest Products Harvest Tax, this would allow for some important restorations.

As we've seen in recent years, budget uncertainty is always with us. For now, we are still analyzing the Governor's proposal to more precisely determine the effects on the services we provide. And we won't have an official budget for 2011-2013 until the legislature completes its work - balancing the state's many needs - around mid-year. We've posted more detail about today's budget proposal at http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/budgetdevelopment.shtml, and I'll continue to keep you updated as events move along.

In his comments to agency directors this morning, the Governor emphasized that while being forced to make difficult choices today about the broader state budget, we also are presented with an historic opportunity to rebuild. He rolled out several significant structural change ideas relating to higher education, health care reform, and the criminal justice system. I encourage you to read more about these ideas as a way of appreciating the broader state context in which we operate.

As he closed his comments this morning, the Governor encouraged all of us to "lean into the changes we must make," noting that unless we work together to address fundamental issues, the state budget picture will only grow more challenging. He also voiced confidence in the work you do, and Oregon's collective ability to make the changes and put the state on a stronger footing for the future.

Thought you'd like to know.

At the personal level, here at the beginning of this new journey, I have been overwhelmed with messages of support for the agency and its work. Between a hopeful budget message from the Governor about our fire and forest practices businesses, a serious spirit of goodwill, and sunshine here on the westside, it's been a good first day and I am optimistic for our future.

Thanks for all you do.

Doug Decker, State Forester

503-945-7211 (office)
Oregon Department of Forestry
2600 State Street, Salem OR 97301
www.oregon.gov/ODF

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