Rep. Humphrey calls on Gov. Stitt to restore Forestry Director

Friday Rep. Justin Humphrey, (R-Lane,) the vice chair of the House Public Safety Committee, called on Gov. Kevin Stitt to return Mark Goeller, the former state forester and director of Oklahoma Forestry Services, to his job. Goeller was fired by the governor following the wildfires on March 14 that devastated much of Oklahoma.

Four people died in the fires, 200 were injured and more than 400 homes and other structures were damaged or destroyed.

"I listened in total shock as the governor publicly insulted the men and women of the Oklahoma forestry division and spoke about firing the director," Humphrey said in a statement. "Director Goeller is known nationwide for his knowledge on fires and is one of the most responsible directors in Oklahoma government."

Humphrey said the governor has stated he wants to imitate President Donald Trump in getting money out of bureaucracy and returning it to the local level, but he said even President Trump would support firefighters and not dismiss the director of this division or threaten to terminate other firefighters who recently risked their lives protecting their fellow Oklahomans.

Humphrey says that we should know that the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is one of the few agencies that has little waste and is directly in Oklahoma communities every day.

"Other than the governor, every other indication and report is that Director Goeller anticipated the pending fire conditions and moved manpower and equipment to address the threat of hazard across the state. I understand property was lost, including that belonging to the governor, but the loss would have been that much greater if not for the prudent actions of the forestry director," Humphrey said. "I think it would be very foolish to shut down such a vital department."

Humphrey also called into question the governor's budget figures, saying the governor stated the Forestry Division's budget was $75 million, and he would like to give $50 million of that to local fire departments instead. However, the entire Department of Agriculture received just less than $73.5 million for the current fiscal year (FY25). Only $24.4 million of that figure was appropriated for the forestry division, with $11.7 million of that being awarded as rural firefighter grants.

In addition, the Department of Agriculture has requested a budget of only $42 million for Fiscal Year 2026, a 40% cut. However, the department's FY25 budget included some one-time funding, which was not included in their FY26 request.

According to Humprey, the forestry division also utilizes almost $9.3 million from a revolving fund that is earned by providing brush control, controlled burns and fire management matters for federal recreational areas. About 55% of the division's budget is appropriated and 45% is from services they provide.

Humphrey said he's witnessed firsthand the work of the forestry division in fighting fires in his House district in southeast Oklahoma. Because of this, he's worked to increase the budget for the division to get higher pay and better equipment for its employees.

"I'm asking the governor to please not create more government by initiating another worthless task force comprised of a group of uninformed political cohorts," Humphrey said. "He acted hastily and he was wrong. He should apologize to Mark Goeller and then to Oklahoma. He should correct his mistake by returning Mr. Goeller to his job as forestry director. The measure of a real man is being able to admit you're wrong and make it right."

RELATED COVERAGE:

1. 'That is unacceptable:' State lawmakers respond to Governor’s call to disband the State Forestry Department
2. Governor Stitt speaks out on firing of Oklahoma Forestry Director Mark Goeller
3. 'I have been falsely accused' Former Oklahoma Forestry Department head responds to firing
4. AG Drummond Criticizes Governor's Ouster of Forestry Director Over Wildfire Response
5. Oklahoma Forestry Director's firing sparks negative reactions among firefighters and state officials