‘A tinderbox waiting to ignite’: Petition to remove Sierra National Forest supervisor gains traction

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A petition to remove Sierra National Forest’s Forest Supervisor Dean Gould has received over 1,000 signatures in less than 6 hours.

The petition follows criticism over the handling of the Garnet Fire, currently raging in the Sierra National Forest. By 7:30 p.m., it had received over 1,200 signatures.

“Over 50,000 acres have already been consumed by flames, and Dinkey Creek, a beloved community jewel, stands at risk of becoming the next victim of mismanagement and neglect. After decades of oversight failures, it is painfully clear that we need a change in leadership,” Frede Serrano, who started the petition, wrote.

Serrano said growing up, the Sierra National Forest was his playground. He hopes his children will be able to share that pastime, but worries it is not possible under the current management.

“Under Dean Gould’s supervision, the Sierra National Forest has been neglected. Overgrowth remains unchecked, creating a tinderbox waiting to ignite,” he wrote. “The consequences are not just environmental but deeply personal to those of us who cherish this land.”

Commenters mention the similarities to the 2020 Creek Fire, which devoured 379,895 acres of land and destroyed 856 structures just north of where the Garnet Fire is burning.

“This Garnet Fire is Creek Fire 2. Dean Gould has learned nothing! He must go now. We need true forest management or there will be no Sierra National Forest left!” one commenter wrote.

Gould has been the Forest Supervisor for Sierra National Forest since 2013.

YourCentralValley.com reached out to the Sierra National Forest for comment, but we have yet to hear back.