Coconino Forest Supervisor moving to Tongass NF

Release Date: Mar 23, 2015

Contact(s): Public Affairs Officer, Brady Smith: 928-527-3490

Flagstaff, Ariz. -- After more than five years of service as the Coconino National Forest Supervisor, Earl Stewart has accepted a position as the forest supervisor for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska beginning mid-April.

“I’ve enjoyed working at the Coconino and with the communities that are so invested in the future success of the national forests in northern Arizona,” said Stewart. “It has been a pleasure and my honor to work here on issues that include the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project, the Fossil Creek Comprehensive River Management Plan and many others. I’m excited to join the Alaska Region and begin taking on the responsibilities as the Tongass Forest Supervisor.”

Stewart graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology in 1985 and worked for the Oklahoma's Department of Wildlife Conservation as a biologist. He joined the Forest Service in 1991 and has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of positions on six national forests in three different regions before heading to the Tongass NF.

“I am elated to have Earl serving here in Alaska,” said Beth Pendleton, regional forester of Alaska. “Stewart is the perfect choice to lead the Tongass National Forest. He brings a wide range of experience and leadership to this position and has a great understanding of the unique relationships that communities have with their national forests which will suit Alaskans well.”