The American Farmers & Ranchers Cooperative spoke out against any plans to reduce or disband the Oklahoma Forestry Service (OFS), highlighting the crucial role the agency plays in the state’s timber industry and support for rural fire departments. President Scott Blubaugh emphasized that any efforts to diminish the OFS would be a “misguided, terrible idea,” noting that the agency not only contributes to the timber industry but also trains, supplies, and coordinates with rural fire departments across the state. Blubaugh warned that reducing the OFS could severely impact the ability of rural fire departments to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially putting lives and property at risk. He called for more funding rather than less, to ensure that rural fire departments have the necessary resources to tackle emergencies effectively. The cooperative’s opposition to reducing or disbanding the OFS underscores the importance of the agency in protecting Oklahoma’s forests, supporting the timber industry, and ensuring the safety of rural communities.
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