During the 1960's, the state law governing logging in California was ruled unconstitutional because its oversight board was primarily comprised of industry representatives. This led to the enactment of the current Forest Practice Act and Board of Forestry in 1973, but there's no doubt the logging industry has since maintained a solid majority on the Board of Forestry. Citizen action led to two objectionable members being ousted earlier this year, and with the Senate's confirmation of another appointment coming up, there is a chance to unseat one more industry hack.

Since Governor Gray Davis took office, he's made sure the industry's domination of the Board of Forestry continues. Davis's appointments include a top executive of Sierra Pacific Industries, a top executive of Simpson Timber Company, and the president of a consulting company that works for numerous logging companies. This follows hefty contributions from the logging industry to Governor Davis's war chest, which at last count totaled almost $500,000.

In January 2002, the Senate Rules Committee responded to an outpouring of public interest and blocked the confirmation of two of Davis's appointments to the Board of Forestry. The committee now has the possibility of denying the confirmation of another bad appointment in a hearing scheduled for January 2003.

Davis re-appointed Gary Rynearson, president of a company that works for Pacific Lumber and other corporate giants, the same month the Rules Committee blocked two appointments to the Board of Forestry. Mr. Rynearson was originally appointed in 2000 and has gained a dismal track record during his tenure, not only preventing positive forestry reforms but also leading efforts to weaken environmental protections.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CALIFORNIA'S FORESTS!

The public sent the Senate a strong message earlier this year, demanding an end to a Board of Forestry that is stacked with industry representatives. The Senate Rules Committee heard this message loud and clear and delivered it straight to the Governor.

Citizen action can again make a real difference today. While the balance of the Board of Forestry is still heavily tilted in industry's favor, the removal of Gary Rynearson from the Board would definitely shift it toward a more balanced view. Please write Senator Burton by January 10.

The Honorable John Burton, Chair
Senate Rules Committee
California State Senate
P.O. Box 942848
Sacramento, CA 94248
FAX: (916) 442-9077