Monique DeSpain, the Republican candidate for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District, will host a roundtable discussion on forest health Thursday, according to a press release from her campaign.
The “Healthy Forests Roundtable” is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Veterans Memorial Association Building, 1626 Willamette St., in Eugene. The campaign describes the event as a nonpartisan discussion aimed at identifying and addressing factors behind wildfires in Oregon.
Local morning radio host Bill Lundun will moderate the panel, which includes Lee Miller of Miller Timber in Philomath, along with:
- Rick Dice, founder of PatRick Fire Fighting
- Bob Zybach, a forestry expert
- Matt Cyrus of Oregon Family Farms
- Jim Buell, a retired biologist and wildlife expert
- State Rep. Court Boice, who represents Coos, Curry and Douglas counties
- Dylan Fritz, timber manager for Zip-O-Log Mills Inc.
- Ed Shepard, a retired Oregon BLM director
- Sam Wheeler of Murphy Company
- Bob Ragon
According to the release, DeSpain will take part in the discussion throughout, drawing on her legal and public service background to explore forest management solutions.
DeSpain is seeking the Republican nomination for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District in the 2026 election. The seat is currently held by Rep. Val Hoyle, a Democrat.