Casey kulla

State Forest Policy Coordinator, Oregon Wilds

Willamette Valley, OR

August 23rd, 2025

Casey Kulla is a former Yamhill County Commissioner who joined Oregon Wild in 2022 from Corvallis, OR. He is passionate about forest policy and how timber practices impact all communities, especially the coast ranges where people experience water shortages.

Casey led us in discussion about the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and how it could be improved or changed. He encouraged us to share our knowledge with each other and learn about unique ways of combating water issues through things like recreating beaver dams or engineering better stream retention into watersheds. While we spoke, Casey and the students fled from the sun, seeking shade and cooling themselves by drinking water, accentuating the weight of how important water is, particularly in dryer areas like the Willamette Valley.

Casey is excited to start law school after a long career in NGOs and public service. He reminds us that learning happens at all stages of life. As the sun began to set, Casey departed, leaving us with new ideas about the relationship between water and timber, and the importance of policy that listens to all voices.

by Katherine Finger