As many of you know, AB 2494 (Rogers) is attempting to modify both the management and funding for the CAL FIRE Demonstration State Forests. The coalition in Opposition is growing, yet the environmental faction, led by the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) is also mobilizing support through a petition for SUPPORT. The petition in support already hosts upwards of 850 signatures, and we intend to try to meet or exceed their efforts. In response, a Petition in OPPOSITION (link BELOW) has been prepared..
AB 2494 (Rogers) has been introduced Iin the California State Legislature for 2026 and intends to constrict sustainable forest management on the CAL FIRE Demonstration State Forests, while also shifting the funding of the program to the Timber Regulations and Forest Restoration Fund. The proposal would fully undermine long-standing stewardship practices that help keep forests healthy, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, sustain rural economies, drive world renowned forest research, and maintain recreational opportunities.
If you have concerns over AB 2494, please consider reviewing and signing the Petition to Oppose located here. This Petition will be live for the next couple of weeks, upon which time, it will be submitted into the legislative record.
MORE INFORMATION:
“PROTECT CALIFORNIA’ S DEMONSTRATION STATE FORESTS!
California’s Demonstration State Forests are working forests that demonstrate how active forest managmenet balances timber production, watershed health, recreation, and climate resilience. AB 2494 threatens this successful model.
FUNDING AT RISK: AB 2494 removes dedicated funding and destabilizes Demonstration State Forests.
WHY IT MATTERS: Wildfire Resilience, Research, Jobs, Recreation, Forest Health
JACKSON DEMONSTRATION STATE FOREST: PROVEN SUCCESS (BUT AB 2494 WOULD HARM ALL DEMONSTRATION FORESTS EQUALLY): 6X Increase in Forest Volume; 1.42B board feet produced; 19M metric tons of carbon stored; 7,500 jobs supported since 1990
THE AUTHOR IS ASSEMBLY MEMBER CHRIS ROGERS OF THE NORTH COAST, HOME TO MANY FOREST WORKERS AND THEIR JOBS — CONTACT HIM WITH YOUR OPPOSITION!
Assembly Member Chris Rogers (D- Healdsburg), represents the North Coast and adjacent counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino,, Sonoma and Trinity.
Particularly if you live in one of these counties and are his consitutent,, please contact Mr. Rogers with your opposition to his AB 2494. Messages can be left and he can be reached at:
CAPITOL OFFICE PHONE: 916- 319-2002
e-mail : assemblymember.rogers@
ASSEMBLY MEMBER ROGERS ALSO HAS DISTRICT OFFICES IN UKIAH AND EUREKA WHERE YOU CAN VISIT, CALL OR E-MAIL HIM OR HIS STAFF.