The Governor recently nominated four individuals to serve new, 4 year terms on the Board of Forestry.  The Senate now must vote to confirm them.  The nominees are (1) Cal Mukumoto, (2) Peter Hayes, (3) Larry Giustina, and (4) Bill Hutchison.    Guistina and Hutchinson are reappointments, while Mukumoto and Hayes are new appointments.

The environmental community has long criticized the board of forestry for being too heavily representative of timber interests.  Governor Kulongoski is committed to a balanced board and we see more balance in his recent proposed slate. 
The story is not over, however, because three more appointments will move forward in early 2008.  We continue to push for at least one more additional member who is a proven leader in the conservation community with no direct financial interest in the timber industry.

A public hearing on the nominees will take place in the Senate Rules Committee on Monday, September 10,  with a full Senate vote on Thursday, September 13.  Click here (http://www.leg.state.or.us/07reg/agenda/webagendas.htm) for more information about the hearing schedule.