John Shannon Resigns as Arkansas State Forester

Statement

Effective at the end of business on Friday, John Shannon is resigning as Arkansas State Forester. Shannon's decision came after reviewing the results of the Division of Legislative Audit's investigation into financial problems at the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

"John Shannon has helped develop the Arkansas Forestry Commission into a widely respected agency that Arkansans count on, especially in times of crisis," Beebe said. "However, after Legislative Audit's review of the financial troubles at Forestry, I agree that a change in management is needed. I thank John for his years of dedicated service to Arkansas."

The Arkansas Forestry Commission will make a recommendation to Governor Beebe for an interim agency head. Shannon's resignation does not change Beebe's supplemental request for the rest of the fiscal year and will not alter plans to rehire 15 firefighters with reallocated Agriculture Department funds.

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