(Salem, OR) -- Oregon's State Forester has suddenly resigned. Cal Mukamoto stepped down amid controversy over payments to contractors who worked during the state's historic 2024 wildfire season. Governor Tina Kotek called lawmakers into special session last month to approve an additional 218-million-dollars to pay bills to local fire departments, fire districts and private firefighting companies that are waiting for federal payments. Republican State House and Senate leaders praised the move, saying new leadership is needed at Oregon's Department of Forestry.