Enid, OK — Governor Kevin Stitt is facing increasing scrutiny after suggesting the elimination of the Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) in the wake of the devastating wildfires on March 14. His comments have sparked concern from state employees, lawmakers, and residents who believe such a move could have lasting negative effects on the state’s wildfire response and overall emergency services.
A week after firing State Forester Mark Goeller, Governor Stitt questioned the necessity of maintaining a dedicated forestry department. In a public statement on Wednesday, the governor expressed frustration over the response to the fires, stating, “Why do I even have a Department of Forestry? Let’s just get rid of the whole thing.”
Stitt’s remarks followed his decision to terminate Goeller’s position as head of Oklahoma Forestry Services, an agency responsible for managing forests, conducting prescribed burns, and providing wildfire response throughout the state. The governor argued that resources were not being used efficiently during the March wildfires, suggesting that the department’s efforts fell short of expectations.
“There were so many fires that day. We had all our resources obligated. I don’t know what we would’ve done differently,” said Craig Marquardt, Assistant Director and Forest Management Chief of Oklahoma Forestry Services. Marquardt, who worked closely with Goeller, defended the department’s actions, stating that resources were deployed as needed, and that the severity of the fires, combined with extreme weather conditions, made the situation challenging. “We were where we thought we needed to be. When we have no more resources, there’s not much else we can do.”
Marquardt also praised Goeller’s leadership, describing him as a man of integrity who instilled a strong sense of duty and respect within the department. His sentiments echoed those of other employees who have expressed disappointment over the firing, arguing that Goeller’s leadership was crucial in guiding the department through the crisis.
Despite this, Governor Stitt has directed Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur to investigate what could have been done differently during the wildfire response. The governor’s comments have added to the growing tension surrounding state agencies and the role of government in managing emergency responses.
The Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA), which represents state workers, has voiced strong opposition to Stitt’s proposal. Gene Blankenship, Deputy Director of OPEA, expressed concern over the potential dismantling of the department, warning that such a decision could lead to a significant loss of trained personnel and resources necessary for responding to future disasters. Blankenship stated that the cuts would exacerbate job insecurity for state employees, particularly those on the front lines of firefighting efforts, and could have broader consequences for the state.
“This is Oklahoma, not Washington D.C.,” Blankenship said in a statement. “When employees live under the constant threat of job cuts, it creates a burden on families and diminishes the quality of services provided to the public.”
Blankenship also raised the possibility of increased insurance rates due to the loss of certified firefighters, a concern that many Oklahoma residents share, particularly given the state’s vulnerability to wildfires in the coming months. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of state employees, particularly those who risk their lives to protect communities during wildfire seasons.
The debate surrounding the future of the Oklahoma Forestry Services underscores the broader challenges faced by the state in balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain essential services. As the state continues to recover from the recent wildfires, questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of state agencies remain at the forefront of political discourse.
With fire season just around the corner, many Oklahomans are left wondering what the state’s wildfire response will look like without the services of an experienced and dedicated forestry department. For now, the governor’s proposal has sparked a larger conversation about the role of government in disaster management and the vital importance of supporting the dedicated public servants who work to protect the state’s residents.
