Bschor To Head Alaska Region For Forest Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today appointed Dennis Bschor as Alaska regional forester. The Alaska region includes the nation’s largest national forest--the Tongass.

“Bschor has the necessary leadership skills and sensitivity to a variety of natural resource issues needed for the challenges faced today,” said Bosworth. “His background in working with people to create common values in western rural America is a real plus.”

Bschor is currently director of the Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness Resources staff, stationed in Washington, D.C. A 29-year veteran of the Forest Service, he has managerial, technical and leadership skills. Prior to working in the agency’s national headquarters, Bschor was forest supervisor for the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (Washington) and a district ranger on two separate forests in Colorado and Wyoming where he gained valuable experience in grazing, timber harvesting and recreation issues.

"I am honored to have been selected by Chief Dale Bosworth as regional forester for one of the most spectacular, exciting and challenging regions of the Forest Service,” said Bschor. “I've waited an entire career to have a chance to experience Alaska and look forward to learning more about the people, Alaska's natural resources and grandeur, its unique lifestyle and diverse communities."

Bschor is a native of Illinois and a 1969 graduate of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He began his Forest Service career in Colorado with assignments on the Rio Grande National Forest, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Pike and San Isabel National Forests and the White River National Forest. Bschor has been director of the Recreation, Heritage and Wilderness Resources staff since December 1998.

Bschor will join the Alaska regional office in Juneau this winter.