Bend, OR – Oregon State Forester Cal Mukumoto has announced his resignation, effective later this month, following increasing scrutiny over his leadership and management of the state’s forestry agency. The decision comes after a series of complaints about the agency’s internal culture, investigations into the conduct of several top managers, and sharp criticism over a significant funding shortfall during a record wildfire season.
Mukumoto’s resignation was confirmed Thursday by Jim Kelly, the Chair of the Oregon Board of Forestry, during a board meeting. The Board of Forestry is a citizen-appointed panel that oversees and implements forest policy in the state. Mukumoto, who answers directly to the board, has faced mounting pressure in recent months as the state contended with unprecedented wildfire activity.
One of the key points of contention was the funding shortfall that emerged during the state’s worst wildfire season in recent history. The financial gap forced lawmakers to convene a special legislative session to secure emergency funds for firefighting efforts and recovery. Critics have pointed to the shortfall as evidence of mismanagement within the Oregon Department of Forestry, with some accusing Mukumoto and his leadership team of not adequately preparing for the intensity of the wildfires that ravaged the state.
In addition to concerns about financial oversight, the agency has been grappling with internal personnel issues. Multiple investigations into the behavior and management practices of top agency officials have further strained Mukumoto’s position. As the face of the Oregon Department of Forestry, Mukumoto has faced intense scrutiny regarding the agency’s culture and its ability to handle both personnel and wildfire response issues effectively.
Mukumoto’s resignation marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of Oregon’s forest management and wildfire strategy, as the state looks to rebuild trust in its leadership amid increasingly complex environmental challenges.
The Board of Forestry has not yet named a successor for Mukumoto, but it is expected that the search for new leadership will be a critical priority in the coming months as Oregon continues to address the growing threats posed by wildfires and climate change.
