More Oklahoma forestry services jobs on the chopping block
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Governor Kevin Stitt is doubling down on his criticism of the state's forest service and launching an investigation into the agency.
News 4 has confirmed from sources that more employees' jobs are on the chopping block.
We learned on Tuesday that the public information officer for Oklahoma Forestry Services, Keith Merckx, was fired.
The state forester was fired weeks ago, as well.
Source: Numerous high-level state forestry officials placed on leave amid Stitt crackdown on agency
'You don't throw out the whole kit and caboodle just because you're mad at somebody,' said Scott Blubaugh, president of American Farmers and Ranchers Cooperative.
Governor Stitt has said he wasn't happy with the agency's response during the March 14 wildfire outbreak.
'Why do I even have a Department of Forestry? Let's get rid of the whole thing,' said Governor Stitt.
The Governor's Office says an initial investigation reveals that Forestry didn't deploy all of its resources:
51 out of 96 firefighters
12 out of 34 engines
16 out of 37 dozers
They also released a new map that clarifies where resources were stationed.
WildfirePreposition_0314_arch_d_land_20250408_1134_OK-OKS_Fire_Support_OKOKS250001Download
The Southern Group of State Foresters has worked with Goeller for several years and says his team requested additional help ahead of the fires.
Lincoln County fire chiefs demand clarity about former forestry director's firing
'We saw the activation of the South Central Forest Fire Compact, which is administered through our organization, and this allowed Oklahoma to bring in support from neighboring states,' said Chelsea Ealum, communications with the Southern Group of State Foresters.
Governor Stitt also claims getting rid of the department would save taxpayers $75 million.
'Just moving some money around to the local, you're still going to have some big gaps out there in the state, and you're not going to be able to fight these fires as efficiently as we can have in the forestry service,' said Blubaugh.
The American Farmers and Ranchers Cooperative says that beyond wildfires, the forestry department is essential.
'In southeast Oklahoma, the timber industry is huge, forestry industry is huge, and it contributes about 19,000 jobs here in Oklahoma,' said Blubaugh.
Blubaugh says insurance rates could also go up without the department.
The Governor's Office also announced the formation of a Wildland Fire Response Working Group.
The group will develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to enhance Oklahoma's wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery capabilities through unified response efforts, interagency coordination, and strategic partnerships.
It will be co-led by the Secretary of Public Safety, Tricia Everest, and the Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur.
Additional members will include:
Oklahoma Fire Service Agencies and Associations
All Hazards First Responders and Incident Management Personnel
Local and County Emergency Managers
Agricultural Policy and Research Professionals from OSU
Private Sector and Insurance Industry Representatives
Nonprofits and Community-Based Stakeholders
The Working Group is directed to convene within 30 days and will submit a set of formal recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within six months.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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