Public Comment — Fort Bragg City Council, April 13, 2026

Paoli, Diana
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 12:20 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Re: AB2494
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests." Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much-needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30x30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Respectfully,
Marsha Lowry
Paoli, Diana
From: Paul Reiber < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 1:47 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: public comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

For several years, the Fort Bragg community has urged CAL FIRE to adopt a management approach that centers tribal co-management, biodiversity, climate mitigation and resiliency, and outdoor access as opposed to profit-driven logging. This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much-needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30x30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Paul Reiber
paulreiberwoodcarver.com
707-964-7151
Paoli, Diana
From: Joselyn Bartlett <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 12:17 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: AB 2494
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests. " Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

For several years, the Fort Bragg community has urged CAL FIRE to adopt a management approach that centers tribal co-management, biodiversity, climate mitigation and resilience, and outdoor access as opposed to profit-driven logging. This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much-needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30x30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Joselyn Bartlett
Paoli, Diana
From: Roo Harris < [email protected] >
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 4:39 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Please support AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests. " Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Sincerely,
Roo Harris and Mary Kay Murche
Little River
"The reason I talk to myself is because I'm the only one whose answers I accept." - George Carlin
1 (
Paoli, Diana
From: Laura Bianchi Limbird < [email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 6:30 PM
To: Godeke, Jason; Paoli, Diana
Subject: Please endorse AB 2494 - "Modernizing Our Forest System" Attachments: AB 2494 Summary.pdf
Dear Mayor Godeke and Members of the City Council,
I am writing as your constituent and a lifelong resident of Mendocino County to respectfully ask the Fort Bragg City Council to endorse Assembly Bill 2494 (AB 2494), "Modernizing Our Forest System." A summary of the bill, prepared by Assemblymember Chris Rogers' office, is attached.

Jackson Demonstration State Forest, the largest demonstration forest in California, is a vital public resource.

AB 2494 responds to strong community interest by updating how these forests are managed.

I appreciate Assemblymember Rogers for introducing this important legislation. AB 2494 redefines forest management to prioritize biodiversity, carbon storage, climate resilience, recreation, wildlife habitat, and research-benefits that directly support both residents and visitors.

The bill also ensures that timber harvests occur only when tied to ecological restoration or research, allowing forests like Jackson Demonstration State Forest to serve as true demonstration sites for sustainable practices.

With the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors considering endorsement on March 24, this is an important moment for local leadership. Passing AB 2494 is vital to our community, and I respectfully urge the City Council to support this legislation.

Sincerely,
Laura Bianchi Limbird
Fort Bragg, CA
Paoli, Diana
From: Ali Van Zee <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 11:30 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Support for AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
Fam Braig Cong time resident, to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2194 on behalf of the According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests." Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Ali Van Zee
545 N Harold St
Fort Bragg CA 95437
~We survive together, or not at all~
1 Paoli, Diana
From: Peter McNamee < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 9:43 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Support AB 2494
I urge the City Council to support AB 2494. This legislation updates an antiquated and obsolete mission for Jackson Demonstration State Forest and all the State Demonstration Forests. In a time of rising sea levels and Climate Change supercharged storm disasters, our highest priority for redwood forest management must be mitigation of carbon emissions thru carbon sequestration in loud forests. We can no longer go on ignoring that optimizing the profitability of timber harvesting on public land to maximize the benefit to a few timber industry companies harms all of us. AB 2494 is already supported by a broad cross section of county voters and organizations, including the County's Board of Supervisors. The City Council must recognize that we are a tourist based economy on the coast and support this legislation that places the highest priority on ensuring sustainable ecologically health forests that optimize carbon sequestration and recreational tourism benefits to everyone.

Peter McNamee,
Fort Bragg, Ca.

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
Paoli, Diana
From: christie olson day < [email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 2:21 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Please support AB2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Christie Olson Day
206 N Sanderson Way
Paoli, Diana
From: bette < [email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 3:02 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: support letter for AB 2494
Dear City Council Members.

Please send a letter of supportmfor AB 2494. This bill advances tribal stewarship ( a goal of our state), ecological restoration, public access, recreation, education, research and the general betterment of the state forests including Jackson Demonstration State Forest. It will improve the economy of Fort Bragg with income from tourism and recreation.

Now money mosly goes to a few logging companies and not the general population.

Thank you for your consideration.

Bette Goldfarb
Caspar, CA
Paoli, Diana
From: CRAIG PETERSEN <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 4:53 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment in support of AB 2494
To the Fort Bragg City Council members:

As an out of town frequent Fort Bragg visitor, I am writing you to request a letter of support for AB 2494 from the City Council. I know you will have received letters touting the environmental benefits and fire resiliency in the JDSF that would result from passage of this bill. However, in the interest of brevity, I would instead, like to focus on the economic benefits to the local economy that this bill will support in my letter.

I personally know more than 50 people from the Folsom area who visit Fort Bragg multiple times a year, with their primary reason for visiting being to recreate in and enjoy the beauty of the JDSE. These 50 plus people that I know are accompanied by their friends and relatives. During their stay in Fort Bragg, they annually totally spend tens of thousands of dollars locally in restaurants, retail businesses, and for lodging. To a lesser extent, I also know other people who similarly visit from other communities like Santa Rosa and the Bay Area, to name a few other areas where people visit from to enjoy the JDSF.

The vast majority of my visiting friends are familiar with and enthusiastically support AB 2494, for the protections it would provide for the health and beauty of the JDSF, as well as the recreational opportunities the bill would help preserve and expand upon. As this gem of a forest becomes more and more known by tourists throughout California and beyond, it will become an even greater driver of the local economy, both in terms of revenue generated and jobs provided, benefiting the community greatly.

As not only a frequent visitor to Fort Bragg, but also a landowner with relatives living in Fort Bragg, thank you for consideration of my input.

Sincerely,
Craig Petersen
Paoli, Diana
Subject: FW: AB2494
From: Buffie Schmidt <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 4:06 PM
To: Rafanan, Marcia < [email protected]>; Godeke, Jason <|Godeke @fortbraggca.gov> Subject: AB2494
Mihim Marcia and Jason!
I hope you are both doing well!
I wanted to touch base regarding new legislation AB 2494 Modernizing Management at Ca State forests including JDSF.

This new bill would support 30x30 Conservation goals, support local economic development through increased ecotourism and bring Tribal Co-Management to our state forests! The entirety of JDSF is in Northern Pomo territory. The historical management is concerning to Tribes due to the destructive logging practices The InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council (ITSWC), a consortium of ten Tribal Nations supports this new legislation along with several individual local Tribes. Please approve and send your letter of support to save the Redwoods and ecosystems of our beautiful forests! Thank you for your consideration!
K'edi na:m (be well)
Buffie Campbell
Executive Director
InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council
[email protected]
707-468-9500 (office)
707-694-5309 (cell)
Paoli, Diana
From: Linda Jo Stern <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2026 8:12 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Sincerely,
Linda Jo
617-435-8412 (mobile)
Paoli, Diana
From: Penny < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 5:49 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members:

I am writing to request your support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council. Please, make sure our legislators know you strongly support this important bill by sending a letter of support According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests." After far too much debate, Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

For several years the Fort Bragg community has urged CAL FIRE to adopt a management approach that centers on tribal co-management, biodiversity, climate mitigation and resiliency, and outdoor access as opposed to profit-driven logging. Greed and profit have been the driving force for far too long. Now is the time to consider the appropriate care and consideration of our Demonstration State Forests and our finite natural resources.

This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30x30 conservation goals. Additionally, now is the time for real tribal involvement and management - this is not an option. Advancing tribal stewardship of "their" land is a priority.

Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects. As your constituents, we constantly hear about how much we need to stimulate our economy. Well, here's one of the best opportunities to come your way in a while - take advantage of it.

The benefits are quite substantial, so please, support AB2494 and send a letter of support Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,
Penny Elia
Little River
1 Paoli, Diana
From: Amanda Cruise <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 8:22 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

For several years, the Fort Bragg community has urged CAL FIRE to adopt a management approach that centers tribal co-management, biodiversity, climate mitigation and resiliency, and outdoor access as opposed to profit- driven logging. This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much- needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE'S Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30x30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter Oraup you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Sincerely,
Amanda Cruise
PO Box 459
Little River
CA 95456
Sent from my iPhone
1 Paoli, Diana
From: Dean Cornwall < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 8:54 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests. " Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of 1B 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community. 1 Paoli, Diana
From: Felicia Rice <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 9:31 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests. " Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing he need to address climate change, biodwersity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 ribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have als voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

For several years, the Fort Bragg community has urged CAL FIRE to adopt a management approach that centers tribal co-management, biodiversity, climate mitigation and resiliency, and outdoor access as opposed to profit-driven logging. This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much-needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30X30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Felicia Rice
Felicia Rice | Moving Parts Press | Box 394, Mendocino CA 95460 | 831-325-9686 1 Paoli, Diana
From: Shanti Valse < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 9:42 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Jackson state forest
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests. " Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Sent from my iPhone
1 Paoli, Diana
From: Michele A. Halligan < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 9:59 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

For several years, the Fort Bragg community has urged CAL FIRE to adopt a management approach that centers tribal co-management, biodiversity, climate mitigation and resilience, and outdoor access as opposed to profit-driven logging. This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much-needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30x30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us who visit and live on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support Thank you for your time and for your dedication to the community, Michele Halligan
Aptos, California 95003
[email protected]
Paoli, Diana
From: Susana hennessey lavery < [email protected]> Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 11:39 AM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Susana hennessey lavery
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

For several years the Fort Bragg community has urged CAL FIRE to adopt a management approach that centers tribal co-management, biodiversity, climate mitigation and resiliency, and outdoor access as opposed to profit-driven logging. This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30x30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Susana Hennessey Lavery
209 N Sanderson Way
Fort Bragg. Ca 95437
1 Paoli, Diana
From: Annemarie <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 12:28 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment AB 2494, item # 8A 4-13-2026
Dear City Council Members,
On Monday, April 13 you will be discussing item # 8A and possibly approving the letter that is posted online in Support for AB 2494. Assembly Bill 2494 that Chris Roger, our Assemblyman introduced would modernize our forest system.

I am writing to request that you will send your letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Sincerely, Annemarie Weibel
1 Paoli, Diana
From: Andrew Z <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, April 11, 2026 3:16 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment on AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

According to Mendocino County's legislative platform, the county aims to "support policies to advance tribal stewardship, ecological restoration, and outdoor access at State Demonstration Forests. " Mendocino County has submitted a letter of support in favor of AB 2494, in recognizing the need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and supporting rural economies. Over 10 tribal nations, nearly 50 environmental organizations, and thousands of constituents have also voiced support for AB 2494. In light of this movement and the upcoming Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, I request that the City of Fort Bragg also submit a formal letter of support to advance this important bill.

This bill provides a clear pathway to providing a much-needed update to the framework of management for all Demonstration State Forests. AB 2494 would also provide a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund and allow lands to count towards California's 30X30 conservation goals. Finally, the bill would stimulate rural economic development by increasing tourism through enhanced recreation opportunities and increased restoration projects.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Andrew Zarrillo and Robyn Elsner
Fort Bragg residents
GRI GrassRoots Institute
Pro
Democracy Pro Democracy Work Group
Work Group Progressive Solutions for the Common Good
April 12, 2026
re: AB 2494
GRI Working Groups
Dear Mayor Godetke and Members of the Fort Bragg City Council Noyo Headlands
Facilitator: Jim Schoonover The GRI Pro-Democracy Group encourages the Fort Bragg City Council to fully support AB 2494. Your draft letter for support- Climate Crisis Action ing AB 2494 lists many of the good reasons to support AB 2494. But Facilitator: Sandy Turner
the reasons to support 2494 go way beyond the items you mention.

Housing AB 2494 will provide many economic benefits for the north- Facilitator: Aviv Kleinman ern Mendocino Coast. Dean Runyan and Associates, which provides an annual economic study of Mendocino County, reports that visitors Vision for Mendocino County to Mendocino County are mainly "value-conscious, outdoor enthu- Facilitator: Peter McNamee
siasts." They also report that Jackson State Forest is one of the four Pro Democracy biggest draws for people coming to Mendocino County, ahead of the Facilitator: Laura Bianchi-Limbird Skunk Train and Montgomery Woods.

A fabulous infrastructure of mountain biking trails in Jackson Water State Forest, built by local biking enthusiast over the past 30 years, Facilitator: Geri Morisky. provides one of the greatest attractions of Jackson State Forest. Jack- son State Forest also provides exceptional experiences for hikers, run- Forests ners, nature enthusiasts and mushroom hunters. Public use of Jackson Facilitator: Aviv Kleinman State Forest has become so popular, it is sometimes difficult to find a place to park. Surveys suggest that a typical visitor stays at least two days and spends an average of $200 a day.

GRI: Building Relationships Meanwhile, giant redwood, fir and pine trees continue to GRI is a hub grow. The larger they grow the more they attract visitors — and the It is a gathering place more they sequester carbon. The more carbon they take out of the air, We learn together the less danger climate change poses to human survival. The Conser- We question together
We play together vation Fund and the Redwood Forest Foundation have both estab- We tell stories lished that we can sustainably harvest our local forests while rebuild- Highlight community ing the habitat. It is time we updated the management objectives of Highlight nature our state forests and make sure that AB 2494 becomes the law of the Communicate ideas
land. We look forward to the Fort Bragg City Council supporting this Spread the word.

Spread the stories. important legislation.

Work towards:

Interdependence
Cooperation
Compassion Jim Tarbell
Community Resilience
for the GRI Pro-Democracy Work Group
P. O. Box 1607, Mendocino, CA 95460 • (707) 593-6084 • [email protected] • http://www.grassroots-institute.org/ Paoli, Diana
From: Mendocino Trail Stewards < [email protected]> Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 4:56 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Agenda Item 8A: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Assembly Bill 2494 April 10, 2026
Jason Godeke, Mayor
Fort Bragg City Council
416 N. Franklin St.

Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Re: Agenda Item 8A: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Assembly Bill 2494, Modernizing Our Forest System
Dear Mayor Godeke and councilmembers:

The Mendocino Trail Stewards write in strong support of AB 2494, and we ask the Council to send a unified letter of support to the State Legislature. Changing the mandate of Jackson Demonstration State Forest has been the central mission of our organization since we were founded in 2020. AB 2494 is the bill we have been working toward.

We are a community-based organization rooted in the Mendocino Coast, operated entirely by volunteers. Our 4,016 constituents are hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, foragers, birders, and neighbors; people who walk in Jackson Forest regularly, who know its trails, its streams, its old growth remnants, and its clearcuts. We serve as a public watchdog on forest management decisions, we track every timber harvest plan (THP) filed for Jackson, we voluntarily maintain trails that are neglected by Cal Fire, and we educate our community about how to engage in the public process. Jackson is, as we like to say, the People's Forest. It belongs to all Californians, and we believe it deserves to be managed as such.

For decades, that has not been the case. The governing law, the State Demonstration Act, was written in 1947, when old growth logging was still being openly demonstrated as a model practice, and when the Northern Pomo people whose homeland these forests occupied had no seat at any table. Under that mandate, Cal Fire has been required to manage Jackson primarily as a commercial timber operation, and log a few of the other forests as well, with the proceeds from logging funding the entire demonstration forest system statewide. The result is a forest subjected to repeated industrial harvest cycles, degraded watersheds, compromised wildlife habitat, and a network of haul roads that scar the landscape and create ongoing erosion problems. The law has forced Cal Fire's hand, even as the science, the climate, and California's own stated policy priorities have moved in an entirely different direction.

AB 2494 changes this. It replaces a mandate built around maximum timber yield with one built around what this forest and this moment actually demands: climate resilience, carbon sequestration, 1 biodiversity protection, restoration, recreation, fire safety, and meaningful Tribal co-governance.

Crucially, it also addresses the structural funding problem by directing resources through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund rather than requiring the forest to pay for itself through uncertain timber sales. This is the change that makes everything else possible. For too long, the logging mandate has been defended not on ecological grounds, but on financial ones. AB 2494 removes that argument.

Moreover, alarmist claims that the bill will eliminate jobs are not grounded in fact. The state-funded restoration effort known as Redwood Rising is designed to address an area similar in size and budget to Jackson, yet generates far more jobs. These jobs are higher paying and more secure from disruptions arising from economic downturns or legal challenges than Jackson Forest is today.

Despite claims to the contrary, such restoration efforts do continue to log overcrowded trees that compound fire risk and slow the return to mature forest conditions, and substantial revenues can be produced in the process. To
be clear: AB 2494 does not end timber harvest at JDSF. Timber sales can still occur under the bill, but in service of restoration and research rather than as a commercial production mandate. That is a meaningful distinction.

We also want to note that this effort has a history. In 2004, SB 1648, a bill with a similar purpose, passed both chambers of the Legislature, only to be left unsigned by Governor Schwarzenegger. The North Coast has been waiting over twenty years for this to be corrected. The ecological costs of delay are not abstract: they are measured in acres logged, in salmon streams degraded, in carbon released, in trails and campgrounds closed. The window to protect and restore what remains is not unlimited.

AB 2494 aligns squarely with Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-82-20 and the state's 30x30 initiative. Passage of this bill would make all 14 demonstration forests, nearly 85,000 acres of publicly owned land, eligible for 30x30 protections. That is a significant and achievable conservation gain, and it is right here, ready to act on.

AB 2494 is not an attack on foresters or on responsible land management. It is a recognition that public forests owe the public more than just board feet, they owe us clean water, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, recreation and a future that subsequent generations will thank us for protecting.

Jackson Forest has been waiting a long time to become a Demonstration Forest for the 21st Century.

We urge you to help make that happen.

With appreciation for your service to our community,
The Mendocino Trail Stewards Steering Committee,
Chet Jamgochian
Marilyn Lemos
John O'Brien
Lynne Paschal
Jessica Curl
Paul Schulman
2 Paoli, Diana
From: Glenn Martin < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 4:58 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Letter of Support for AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
I am a coastal Mendocino County resident who has appreciated Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF) for decades and I strongly support AB 2494, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Rogers.

I believe that passage of the bill would result in a beneficial change to the management objectives and funding for our state forests. There have been many times when I've been in JDSF and desired that it be managed in a manner consistent with that specified in AB 2494.

Please send a letter of support for AB 2494.

Thank you,
Glenn Martin
1 Paoli, Diana
From: Peggy Backup <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2026 8:16 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: JDSF AB2494.docx
Attachments: JDSF AB2494.docx
Honorable City Council Members of Fort Bragg,
Our hats off to Supervisors Haschak, Williams and Mulheren: a visionary path forward with their leadership. Their recent vote in support of AB2494 redefines the management goals for Jackson Demonstration State Forest and all of our California State Demonstration Forests.

This bill is a breakthrough in a process that has been frustrating for the public and the tribes, and unproductive for many years. Introduced by Assemblyman Chris Rogers and co-authored by Senator Mike McGuire, this bill gets to the heart of the impasse.

It mandates co-management between Cal Fire and the tribes in recognition of the latter's stewardship that has stood the test of time - for tens of thousands of years. And while it will still allow logging, it will prioritize preserving ancestral and cultural sites, environmental stewardship, ecological restoration, water, wildlife, and research.

Shifting the "demonstration" from commercial logging to tourism, recreation, and carbon sequestration will create a more climate resilient forest.

We know that our coastal Redwood forests are so awe inspiring that people come here from around the world to experience them. We believe that the recreational and spiritual value of JDSF are far more important than the value of its harvested trees, which represents only a tiny fraction of County timber revenue. We also believe that the economic value of recreation in JDSF, which already surpasses the economic value of timber sales, will continue to grow in the years ahead along with these beautiful trees.

Unlike the current mandate which defines commercial logging as the highest use of state forest land, and which allows clearcuts and taking trees up to 4 feet in diameter, AB2494 will shift the primary source of funding for California Demonstration State Forests from timber to tourism and recreation. The public overwhelmingly supports this shift in focus.

We invite our other Supervisors, Cline and Norvell, to support AB2494 in recognition of the vastly greater benefits it provides for our quality of life, our economy, and our environment. We also invite the Fort Bragg City Council and other Mendocino County cities to enthusiastically support this bill.
1 Sheila Jenkins, Willits
Peggy Backup, Ukiah
Charlotte Healy, Fort Bragg
Sent from my iPad
2 Paoli, Diana
From: marilyn lemos <[email protected] >
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 12:05 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: AB2494
Marilyn Lemos
P O Box 944
Mendocino, Ca 95460
April 11, 2026
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Marilyn Lemos
Paoli, Diana
From: Cliff Kuhn-Lloyd < [email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 3:27 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Support AB 2494
Dear City Council Members,
1 am writing to request that you send a letter of support for AB 2494 on behalf of the Fort Bragg City Council.

This is a bill with great support from many of us living on the Mendocino Coast. I hope you can join us in support of this bill by submitting your letter of support.

Thank you for your time and for your dedication to our community.

Sincerely,
Cliff Kuhn-Lloyd
Paoli, Diana
From: Jessica Curl Rose « [email protected]>
Monday, April 13, 2026 4:29 PM
City Clerk
Subject: Letter in support of AB 2494
Thank you, I attempted to send this letter on Friday, but something seems to have gone wrong.

Fort Bragg City Council,
My name is Jessica Curl, I live here in Fort Bragg, California. I was born here, have lived my life here, raised my family here, and have run my business here on the Mendocino Coast for the last 20 years. I am here today to request you support for AB 2494. This bill is a great opportunity for our community.

This bill is one of these rare opportunities where doing the right thing environmentally and socially also increases jobs and helps the local economy. I was present for discussion and vote on this bill in the Natural Resources Committee in the California State Assembly a few weeks ago. After presentations from the writer of the bill, Assemblyman Rogers, a local expert on Mendocino's economy, a tribal leader representing the interests of over 10 tribes in our area and two expert witnesses in opposition who had time to present their concerns and make amendments to the bill, the bill overwhelmingly passed. It was easy for the committee to see from the evidence provided this bill would benefit our county economically, increasing jobs and county revenue, provide local tribes with a much overdue seat at the table, support recreation and research all while prioritizing the restoration of this amazing 48,652 acres of our county.

Evan Mills, in his recent commentary published in the Mercury News, provides some statistics on Demonstration Forests in California that might help us understand the economic impact of this bill. His research shows that AB 2494 would generate up to four times more jobs for workers with logging and forestry skillsets.

The bill provides a stable source of funding for CAL FIRE's Demonstration Forest operations through the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund, instead of the current system in which income varies vastly year by year. This bill provides an increased focus on recreation boosting our tourist industry. In Mendocino County, tourism already provides nearly 20 times more jobs than logging.

I am sure many of you saw the beautiful images of our planet from Artemis II, hopefully you all got a chance to listen to some of the astronaut's descriptions of seeing our precious single livable planet, like a lifeboat, floating in the great darkness of space. With Earth Day about a week away it is a great time to support a bill that helps protect our environment and our future here in Mendocino County.

We know, from science, from our own observation, from our own experiences and the experiences of friends and family who live through fires, flooding, and catastrophic weather events that things are going in a dangerous direction. We lost 95% of our old growth redwood forests before any of us were born and we have now lost 98% of our mature second growth forests. In the last 12 years we lost 95% of our kelp forest due to climate change, another huge blow to our local environment. These days the rivers are no longer full of salmon, abalone are scarce, there are so many things we have lost. Environmental changes affect jobs and quality of life.

Eight out of ten California adults say climate change is a threat to California's future economy and quality life. A shift in priorities at JDSF presents an amazing opportunity to combat climate change. Unlike most people on the planet, we have almost 50,000 acres of the best carbon sequestering forest on the planet right in our own backyard. With it we have the opportunity to affect the climate crisis in a substantial way. This state-owned forest, which belongs to us, the people of California, has the potential of being a regional climate stabilizer, cooling and moistening not just the forest but the surrounding lands. We have the potential for one of the highest-impact, long-term carbon sinks imaginable. A healthy version of JDSF alone, not to mention the other Demonstration State Forests included in this bill, has a potential to sequester approaching 150 million tons CO2. This is an enormous amount of CO2! This is equivalent to 40% of California's annual greenhouse gas emissions. A healthy restored version of this forest could offset a year of CO2 emissions from an entire country.

According to JDSF own published statements the forest currently stores 10% of the carbon it was storing before logging. The current mandate for maximum sustainable yield logging means that management does not allow the forest to increase in size. Without a change in the mandate, we will see no substantial improvements. Studies in JDSF and similar forests all show that the rate of tree growth is reducing each year due to climate change. Even with requests from the community and scientists, no changes have been made to keep the forest even in this 10% range. As the forest continues to grow less and we remove trees using outdated projections of growth we will have a future forest producing less than 10% of it's original potential. If any of us were functioning at less than 10% of our capacity, people who cared about us would be worried. And many of us in the community are worried about this forest, we can do better.

Join us in this once in a lifetime opportunity to dramatically affect the climate crisis by supporting the restoration of one of the most efficient natural climate solutions we have. The value of the forest to this community goes well beyond an accounting of board feet per acre. As priorities change and we begin to calculate the true cost of climate change, we must consider the massive climate dividends provided by a functioning second-growth redwood forest. This bill allows Mendocino County to move beyond our outdated use of this unique forest as a tree farm and instead demonstrate the smartest and most forward-looking evaluation of its value. We know these trees can live for more than 2,000 years if we let them. This bill allows us to move towards a future where this forest will be allowed to do what it does best naturally, provide a refuge of natural space to the citizens of Mendocino and beyond, hold the sacred and historical sites of the past with respect, provide a space for observation, study, research, and by some miracle, quietly absorb and contain enormous amounts of carbon at the time when we need it the most.

Thank you for your service to our community,
Jessica Curl
2 17625 Ocean Dr.

Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Paoli, Diana
From: Stacey Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2026 3:43 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public comment Oppose AB 2494
From: Stacey Anderson <[email protected]>
Date: April 13, 2026 at 2:30:23 PM CDT
To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Subject: Oppose AB 2494
Dear, The City of Fort Bragg and community members
I am fortunate enough to have been born and raised in Fort Bragg, 4th generation. A town that was once thriving, and had a diverse culture. One that supported each other, even with indifferences. A town that had small businesses that could help financially support the education system, the hospital and public services.

Now our education system is lacking which is creating an increasingly alarming mental health crisis. There is a great deal of evidence showing the importance of intervention and supporting those young developing brains from birth on. We need to begin creating a community that is healthy and thriving for those young developing brains. We need to create an environment for adults of all capabilities to be able to be self sufficient. And we are NOT. So much focus is on setting the stage for failure. It's time for that to change. Our town and community need to offer jobs for all makes, shapes, sizes, and capabilities.

The hospital, and medical system in this town are not able to meet the growing needs of our community and are lacking. Our Public services could greatly benefit from additional financial support and could use a community that is healthy and thriving. We are not.

We have personally owned two businesses in Fort Bragg for years. Neither one of those businesses have received much if any support from the City of Fort Bragg. Many of the city employees didn't even know Haywire existed, most have never stepped foot in the store. Yet we had daily requests for financial support from community organizations and other donation seekers.

Both of our businesses have supported community organizations time and time again.

When things such as assembly bills such as the one presented, our elected officials choose to support groups and entities that have nothing to do with this community and do not contribute in anyway other than raise havoc.

Haywire kept its doors open from the blue collared working employees. The logging community truly kept our doors open. We had three to four full time employees year round. I know that's not much but it definitely provided a service to our community. Tourism did NOT pay the bills. A big portion of community members were down right rude and mean with harsh comments about "the ignorant people" working there. Why do we want to keep our doors open to be treated so poorly? As yourself that! Tourism has been the focal point of our community for 20 plus years. Yet it has proven yet again, not to be the answer and our community is in desperate need. It's time for our elected officials to start supporting other businesses and industry that have been here supporting every step of the way for over 100 years. Support the ones who were supporting you.

Our community wants and needs trails for hiking, places to ride horses, biking, etc. where in your budgets are the funds allocated for infrastructure improvements, or any kind of maintenance. We do not have any kind of financial support to add additional projects without some kind of real tax revenue producing jobs.

I keep hearing that everybody's so worried about money, well at some point you're going to have to start figuring out how to pay those bills. Start balancing a budget, and supporting the community that is here! Start creating revenue and stop shutting down all industry and killing our society.

One of our average Anderson Logging Employees make $50,000 a year. That employee shops in Fort Bragg, eats in Fort Bragg, buys gas, has medical needs. All creating a trickle down effect for our entire community.

If you allowed JDSF to operate as it was intended and created to do, our community would have an additional $5,000,000.00 in PAYROLL directly to our community, around $250,000 in tax to the county. This creating a trickle down effect to our economy and community. What could be done with that money in our community????? Look around at privately owned timber property and notice the health of the forest. The health of the trees. The roads and infrastructure, are in great shape. You will not see diseases spreading rampantly throughout the trees. Fire trucks are able to easily maneuver through the property and knock out any fires in a very quick manner due to well maintained roads.

If a forest fire starts in JDSF it's going to go hot hard and fast. Most of the trails are so overgrown and so thick that there are a gigantic match, waiting to implode. Roads are not easily accessible most are washed out and in very poor shape. There is zero money in the budget to fix any of that. How are you going to make improvements without money? The bike trails are in need of financial funds and support. Where is all that gonna come from just fall out of the sky. It has not happened yet, and it only continues to get worse and worse.

The financial backing to support bills like this are coming from supporters out of the area, 2 individuals who do not do business in our community nor support us in any way shape or form.

You aren't going to see those individuals helping support sporting events, your local fire department. their tax are not coming into our community. Why are you allowing them to decide what is best for our town and community.

Support the businesses and the people who live in our community and support you daily. Support those who will be creating a community that is thriving and not one that is upside down and backwards. Choose to support out community and oppose AB2494 and other bills like it.

Sincerely
Stacey Anderson
Sent from my iPhone
3 Paoli, Diana
From: Myles Anderson < [email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2026 4:20 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Albin-Smith, Tess; Godeke, Jason; Rafanan, Marcia; Hockett, Scott; Peters, Lindy Subject: Public comment. Oppose AB2494
4/13/26
RE: Oppose Rogers AB 2494
Dear Council Members,
Jackson Demonstration State Forest (JDSF) has been a point of contention in our County for a long time. A fact that cannot be denied is that in its current state it i s a world class multiuse forest much like the creators had in mind. JDSF has reached this condition through 80 years of active management under the watchful eye of registered professionals and a highly trained industry. Assemblyman Rogers bill A B 2494 is yet another attempt to change the mandate of the entire State Forest System, taking management away from forestry professionals and linking timber harvesting to restoration among other things. The State Forest system has demonstrated one thing over the 80-year history, if small landowners manage their property scientifically and grow more volume than they cut someone in the name of environmental protection will try to take it away from them.

While this bill impacts all of the State Forests I will focus on JDSF which is solely within Mendocino County. JDSF grows annually about 50 million board feet of timber, management allows for cutting of about 25 million board feet and I believe over their history they have averaged about half of that. Given those numbers JDSF i s gaining volume every year at a rate of 35 million board feet when management is allowed to commence. The harvesting of 25 million board feet in our county results in approximately 5 million dollars of direct payroll for logging companies and a similar amount for local manufacturing facilities. This does not take into account the suppliers of these industries in our area and that economic impact. Couple this with the yield tax which is collected from the harvesting of timber and returned to the County where the timber was harvested. Yield tax from 25 million board feet could generate upwards of $500,000 i n tax revenue to our County.

Changing the mandate to cut brush instead of trees will not generate revenue to maintain this forest or our rural communities. The US Forest Service and the communities that were supported by the forests under their control is an excellent example of what happens when regulated timber harvest is stopped. Now those communities are dependent on federal appropriations to fund their existence.

Aside from the economic benefits of JDSF there is also the mechanics behind why it is a beautiful multiuse forest while most of the state parks in our area are in a dismal condition.

JDSF ties improvement projects throughout the forest to a timber sale, the environmental studies are part of the Timber Harvest Plan and the activities are funded through the sale of logs. Without this mechanism in place projects on JDSF will be required to go through stand- alone CEQA reviews and be at the whim of appropriations which is the reason our state parks are in a poor condition.

Our family owned business employing over 90 Fort Bragg residents have completed well over 50 timber sales in JDSF.

Examples of projects we have completed as a part of the timber sale include campgrounds, major stream restoration projects, miles of rocked roads, bike trail improvements, removing brush from roads, trash removal and many other projects.
1 There are many current studies going on within JDSF by agencies, professionals and academia to further knowledge from actively managed forests in the redwood region. The Caspar watershed study is a world known project that is actively managed by the United States Forest Service and is dependent on continued active management. This study had been ongoing for 65 years and now it is at risk of being ended by people that think they know what is best for the forest.

Recreation is a big part of the multiuse aspect of JDSF and is directly impacted by active management. As years pass with little to no management the recreation activities will cease to exist as the roads and trails succumb to brush. Big River State Park is a perfect example of this, as industrial timberland was turned into a park with no consideration of the work required to maintain infrastructure. Watercourse crossings will fail and environmental issues will be created through a lack of maintenance to infrastructure. Keep in mind shortly after this land base was put into the park system our County lost the Harwood mill and the MFP mill in Fort Bragg, both major employers of living wage jobs and a tax base for their The State Demonstration Forest system was put in place by professionals that saw the benefits of properly managed forests and hoped that they could educate industry on a path forward that would benefit the people and the communities. Unfortunately, what has been demonstrated is that just one person can stop the good work of many. AB 2494 was written by EPIC, an environmental business from out of our area which funds its coffers through promoting a cause.

Assemblyman Rogers nor EPIC personnel have ever got their hands dirty working on this forest or supporting our community and they should not be dictating the future of our multiuse forest.

The future use of Jackson Demonstration State Forest will directly impact the residents that live and work here. I ask that before you embrace a potential new type of industry that you make sure the current industries employing citizens of the town you represent are strong and healthy. The timber industry in our area manages a renewable resource under the most strict rules of anywhere in the world, all while California imports 80% of the wood products used in our State. Stop exporting the environmental impact to other places and feel good about your actions.

Sincerely,
Myles Anderson
4th generation Mendocino County resident Owner of Anderson Logging Inc 2

Fort Bragg City CouncilApril 13, 2026

Fort Bragg City Council
April 13, 2026