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Expert talks vegetation and wildlife habitat impact from wildfires

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt fired State Forester Mark Goeller following the March 14-16 wildfires, which claimed four lives and destroyed over 500 homes across the state.
The firing stemmed from Governor Stitt's claim that firefighting resources were delayed at Goeller's direction and that the Forestry Service did not perform adequately during the disaster.
Goeller, who dedicated over 40 years to the Forestry Service and is nationally recognized, rebutted these claims, asserting that preparations were made in advance and resources were in place, while firefighters defended Goeller's actions.
Governor Stitt stated, "When lives are on the line, every resource must be deployed without hesitation," while Goeller posted, "THAT'S NOT TRUE" regarding the accusations of delayed resources.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond, while acknowledging the governor's discretion, voiced support for Goeller and expressed concern that the termination, despite not creating a vacancy, creates a void, also stating that the governor compromised the safety of citizens in Oklahoma.

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Tulsa World

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Fired forestry director responds: Agency never withheld wildfire support

Oklahoma Forestry Service Director Mark Goeller replied online after the governor said he was fired for "not performing the duties necessary to protect life and property in a timely manner."

3 days ago·Tulsa, United States

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Koco News5

Lean Left

State forester says he's been 'falsely accused' after being fired by Gov. Kevin Stitt

The state forester is in shock in confusion after he was recently fired by Gov. Kevin Stitt, saying he's felt a range of emotions and was falsely accused.

3 days ago·Oklahoma City, United States

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KFOR-TV

Center

Expert talks vegetation and wildlife habitat impact from wildfires

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The impacts on property and lives from recent wildfires across the state is far from good. However, believe it or not, when it comes strictly to vegetation and wildlife habitats, they can have both positives and negatives. "It's pretty context dependent,” assistant professor and wildlife specialist with the Oklahoma State University Extension Office Mark Turner said. It’s only been a couple weeks since the wildfires blazed…

3 days ago·Oklahoma City, United States

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KOKI

Center

Former State Forestry Director speaks out after firing

Mark Goeller, former State Forestry Director, is speaking out after he was let go in the aftermath of recent wildfires.

4 days ago·Tulsa, United States

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KJRH

Center

'Falsely accused': OK State Forester responds to Gov. Stitt's claims

Fired Director of Forestry Mark Goeller shared his first public statement about Governor Kevin Stitt's claims on his department's response to recent wildfires. In a Facebook post, Goeller said the last week has been an emotional rollercoaster. The most recent event in my life has been an emotional rollercoaster. In the last week I have experienced shock, confusion, grief, fear, anxiety, pain, anger, love, and comfort. I have been falsely accused…

4 days ago

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High Plains Journal

OSU Extension hires wildlife specialist

Oklahoma State University Extension has hired Mark Turner to serve as its new wildlife specialist. Turner recently joined OSU and also serves as an assistant professor in the department of natural resource ecology and management. The North Carolina native specializes in applied habitat management, centered on game species like white-tail deer and wild turkeys. He studies forest management, prescribed fire, management of early successional commun…

3 days ago

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