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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009>Private Forests News list members:</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009>State Forester Marvin Brown issued this message to ODF
staff Friday afternoon. It provides an update on the budget process, first news
of federal stimulus money awarded to ODF and an update on the transition in the
State Forests Division. For additional detail, I have attached Nancy Hirsch's
message regarding the State Forests budget following Mr. Brown's
message.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009>Kevin Weeks</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009>Public Information Officer / Private Forests
Division </SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009>Oregon Department of Forestry
</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009><A href="mailto:kweeks@odf.state.or.us"><FONT
color=#000000>kweeks@odf.state.or.us</FONT></A> </SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009>(503) 945-7427</SPAN></FONT></DIV><BR>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader lang=en-us dir=ltr align=left>
<HR tabIndex=-1>
<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><B>From:</B> BROWN Marvin D <BR><B>Sent:</B> Friday,
April 17, 2009 4:56 PM<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>Dear Fellow Employees,</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>Our Executive Team has been doing an excellent job keeping everyone
informed as we go through the legislative session, but I wanted to take the
opportunity to offer this update myself.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>We have been working hard with stakeholders, legislators and others to
provide a clear understanding of the impact potential budget cuts may have, and
I believe that message is being heard by key folks.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>That doesn’t mean all of our problems are solved, but the first step in
this process is to have good understanding among the decision makers, and we and
the stakeholders are being successful in that effort.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>I’ve had good discussions with the <st1:Street w:st="on"><st1:address
w:st="on">Full Ways</st1:address></st1:Street> and Means Committee Co-Chairs,
plus a number of other full committee members, plus all of our Ways and Means
sub-committee members, the Governor and the Governor’s staff.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Other members of the Executive Team have
also been having productive communications with the people who need to hear our
message.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>They understand the risks that are created by the proposed cuts to the
fire program and we are now starting to build on that message by talking about
the impacts on the private forests program and the state forests
program.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>As I’m assure you’re aware, the legislature is not in a position to do
much about the state forests program, and as a result Nancy will be sending out
information on how they intend to proceed with cuts.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think it is likely, though, that
current balances in the state forests revenue account will not be proposed for
other uses and this will allow a bit more breathing room for state forests.<SPAN
class=768004814-20042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2> ((Ed note:
Nancy Hirsch's message follows this one) </FONT></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>We also got word today on the federal stimulus dollars we’ll be receiving
for forest health and restoration.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This includes $2.7 million for sudden oak death, $2.2 million for state
forest projects and what looks like even more substantial amounts for private
lands projects.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In addition, we
have had several commitments to develop cooperative agreements around ODF
personnel helping to implement projects on federal lands.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>The stimulus dollars won’t be on there yet, but all other details around
our budget proposals can be found on the website </FONT><A
href="http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/budgetdevelopment.shtml"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"
size=3>http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/budgetdevelopment.shtml</FONT></A><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3>.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>In terms of other legislation, the bill to update our fire protection
land classification process has been passed and signed into law.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are making some headway on our land
acquisition authority bill.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A joint
resolution recognizing the good work of the Federal Forests Advisory Committee
is going forward.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also moving along
is language that would create a “transfer of development rights” tool within the
land use system that could help forest landowners realize better economic values
from their land.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>As in past sessions, there have also been several discussions and
proposals around the mandates and expectations for state forests.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Board of Forestry will be meeting on
a special conference call Monday to discuss these measures and to act on my
recommendation to create an official Board position in opposition to such
changes.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>Another thing I should update you on is Clark Seely’s retirement.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have decided not to move forward with
hiring <st1:place w:st="on">Clark</st1:place>’s replacement as quickly as
originally planned.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Clark still
intends to retire at the end of June and Paul Bell will still be promoted to
Associate State Forester, but <st1:place w:st="on">Clark</st1:place> has agreed
to stay on in a full-time temporary capacity as Administrative Division Chief
until the end of the year.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
will allow us to continue drawing on Clark’s experience and leadership until
things are much better sorted out on the budget……and I really appreciate
<st1:place w:st="on">Clark</st1:place>’s willingness to do this for
us.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>So….. everyone remember to keep your head up…….feel free to get our
messages in front of whomever you think is appropriate…..and know that we’re all
working hard to get to the best place we can.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>Marvin Brown<SPAN class=768004814-20042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2> </FONT></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009><FONT
color=#0000ff>***********************************************************************************************************************</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
class=768004814-20042009><FONT color=#0000ff></FONT></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3><SPAN class=768004814-20042009><FONT size=2><FONT
face=Tahoma><STRONG>From:</STRONG> HIRSCH Nancy <BR><B>Sent:</B> Friday, April
17, 2009 6:31 PM<BR><B>Subject:</B> State Forests Division Budget Reduction
Planning Update <BR><BR></FONT></FONT></P>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT color=#0000ff>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><FONT
color=#000000><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> <B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">The Division has implemented a
new quarterly update to the regular biannual revenue forecast (January and
July).<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The purpose of the quarterly
update is to monitor whether actual revenues and expenditures are in line with
what was forecasted.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The budget
reduction planning effort and decision making will continue to be based on the
latest, most accurate information available.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">April Forecast</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">: Our March sales and appraised
April sales were lower than our January forecast predicted, and expenditures are
tracking slightly higher than predicted. The April forecast has incorporated
this information and the results indicate that economic conditions are somewhat
worse than predicted. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>No decisions
have been made yet as a result of this information; however I wanted to share
this information as it is relevant to our Fiscal Year 2010 (FY10) budgets.
Further reductions may be necessary to incorporate this information.
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">On the bright side, State
Forester Brown stated in his message<SPAN class=629571701-18042009> today
that</SPAN> it appears the forest development fund (FDF) balance will not
be used for other purposes through the budget process.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This balance is critical to the Division
and Agency.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Given the worsening
market conditions, this is important <SPAN class=629571701-18042009>for
</SPAN>the Division to be able to even minimally implement forest management
plans through the next three to four years. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">In addition there are a couple
other items relevant to the FY10 budget.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>There are some reimbursable funds that were not accounted for in the
latest version of the FY10 budgets. Also, the motor pool funds are in a healthy
condition which will likely allow us to forego vehicle replacement charges in
FY10. These cost savings and expenditure reductions will help offset the
worsening economic condition. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">Timeline
<o:p></o:p></SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"> <I
style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><U><o:p></o:p></U></I></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">Thursday, April
9:</SPAN></U><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The Division budget reduction planning
group met to discuss the final draft of the FY10 budget. </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"> The
draft budgets met the levels established. This has been a very
difficult process for everyone.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Your patience and responsiveness throughout the process has been greatly
appreciated. Thanks. There are some adjustments still to be made, which
will be discussed at the Northwest Oregon Area Staff meeting next week and
within a reforestation working group.</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">Mid-late April <SPAN
class=629571701-18042009>to early </SPAN>May</SPAN></U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond">: Communication on what the
Division will likely implement for FY10 – given the assumptions we need to
operate under.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"> <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Based
on the April 9 meeting and the April 13 Executive Team planning group meeting,
the timeline we have previously outlined remains - with a few more details to
work out moving forward.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the
next two or three weeks the FY10 budget will be confirmed. This budget will
inform the reduction process, but the actual timeframes are still a little
uncertain.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The budget information
will be shared with the Human Resources Program to coordinate the layoff process
for those positions we are unable to sustain after June 30.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is expected that the layoff process
would start between the first and third week in May.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This would allow the processes
associated with a layoff to be completed on paper in late May and in June. All
employees would remain in their existing positions through June.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">In
past few weeks, Human Resource Program leaders have visited with most State
Forests Division employees about the layoff process and transition
services.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The information they have
been sharing is also available on the ODF internal web site: <A
title=http://www.odf.state.or.us/hr/default.asp?goto=Employee%20Resources
href="http://www.odf.state.or.us/hr/default.asp?goto=Employee%20Resources"><SPAN
title=http://www.odf.state.or.us/hr/default.asp?goto=Employee%20Resources
style="COLOR: windowtext">http://www.odf.state.or.us/hr/default.asp?goto=Employee%20Resources</SPAN></A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><U>July
1</U> would be the first day of implementation of the FY10 budget.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The layoff would be in effect and some
employees would shift to new positions. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There have been a lot of discussions
trying to decide if the State Forest Division can wait for the <st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Private</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Forest</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> and Fire budgets to be completed by
the legislature. The Division leaders and the Executive Team agree that moving
forward with the State Forests Division process is the necessary action. Waiting
increases the budget challenges and would mean further reductions to make up the
shortfall. This is not a tradeoff we are prepared to make. We will continue to
assess the costs of this decision and it could change.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, for now we plan to implement
the FY10 budget reductions on July 1. <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial">Lastly,
I want you to know that you are all valued employees.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>These are challenging times for everyone
and I appreciate the high ground you have chosen for walking through these
times.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><o:p><SPAN
class=629571701-18042009><FONT color=#0000ff size=3>Nancy
Hirsch</FONT></SPAN></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Garamond"><o:p><SPAN
class=629571701-18042009><FONT color=#0000ff size=3>Chief, State Forests
Division</FONT></SPAN></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
color=#0000ff></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT></SPAN></FONT> </P></DIV></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>