By Cris Alarcon
May 15, 2025
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — El Dorado County Supervisors George Turnboo and Lori Parlin recently joined a California delegation in Washington, D.C., to advocate for enhanced forest management practices aimed at mitigating wildfire risks and promoting sustainable forestry.
Supervisor Turnboo participated in several meetings focused on wildfire prevention and forest management, engaging with congressional members and agency staff to discuss the importance of integrating private sector timber harvesting into federal forest management strategies. He emphasized the need to address regulatory challenges that hinder effective forest stewardship.
“We must work through regulations that have tipped the balance unfairly in favor of environmental obstructionism,”
Turnboo stated during the meetings.
“By collaborating with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, we can return to private sector timber harvesting and complete critical forest management projects that might otherwise be unfunded or discontinued.”
The delegation’s efforts align with the ongoing review of the Fix Our Forests Act in the U.S. Senate, legislation that aims to streamline forest management processes and reduce wildfire risks.
In addition to the federal advocacy, Supervisors Turnboo and Brian Veerkamp met with Dave Fournier, the newly appointed Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest, to discuss collaborative approaches to forest management. The meeting focused on understanding public concerns and exploring joint initiatives between the county and the U.S. Forest Service.
“Partner and public engagement during the planning process was essential to shaping and improving the final decision,”
Fournier noted, highlighting the importance of community involvement in forest management decisions.
El Dorado County has faced significant wildfire challenges in recent years, including the devastating Caldor Fire in 2021. County officials continue to prioritize forest management reforms to protect communities and natural resources.
For more information on El Dorado County’s forest management initiatives, visit the Board of Supervisors’ official website: El Dorado County Board of Supervisors.
https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/County-Government/Board-of-Supervisors
