Lake County supervisors approve letter urging Gov. Newsom to veto AB 2494

The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a letter requesting Governor Newsom veto AB 2494 and authorized the chair to sign the letter, carrying the motion 3-1. Vice Chair Paiske moved the motion and Chair Rasmussen seconded.

County forester Michael Jones and Chief Deputy Administrative Officer Matthew Rothstein told the board they fear the bill could change how demonstration state forests are funded and reduce support for ongoing research at Boggs Demonstration Forest. "The way the demonstration state forests are currently funded is through, timber operations, so they're completely self sufficient," Jones said, explaining the role of the Forest Resource Improvement Fund and the potential for the bill to create a supplemental pathway to oversight-driven funds. Rothstein said post‑Valley Fire replanting and research work could be jeopardized if the bill passes as written.

Supervisor Sabatier said she was uneasy using a consent action to request a veto and asked for clearer code citations and an explanation "here's what we're losing and here's what we're gaining." During public comment, Robert McIntyre urged the board to send a strong message to the governor, and an online speaker identified as Kate also supported the veto letter.

The board approved the letter and authorized the chair to sign; no further board action on the bill was recorded at the meeting.