Forest Service Chief Selects Top Interior Official To Lead State And Private Forestry

U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today announced the selection of Jim Hubbard as deputy chief for state and private forestry.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Jim Hubbard join our agency with his extensive experience and knowledge of state and private forestry issues as well as his direct involvement in the implementation of the National Fire Plan at both the state and federal levels," said Bosworth. "He has been a leader for the National Association of State Foresters serving as president, on the legislative committee and was the primary liaison on behalf of all state foresters to the Western Governors' Association during the development of the implementation strategy for the National Fire Plan."

As the Forest Service's deputy chief of state and private forestry, Hubbard will be responsible for fire and aviation management, the implementation of the National Fire Plan, cooperative forestry, forest health protection, conservation education, urban and community forestry, and tribal relations.

"It is an honor to be selected as deputy chief of state and private forestry for the Forest Service," said Hubbard. "I look forward to continuing collaborative efforts that reach out to conservation partners and working closely with my former state forester colleagues throughout the nation as well as American Indian tribal leaders."

Hubbard is currently the director of the Office of Wildland Fire Coordination with the Department of the Interior where he oversees the implementation of the National Fire Plan and activities of the department's five land managing bureaus for forest fire prevention, mitigation and partnerships with communities, tribes, and stakeholders.

Prior to his position with DOI, Hubbard served for more than 34 years with the Colorado State Forest Service, including holding the state forester position from 1984 to 2004. He was also a key advisor for the Governor and chaired commissions on forest health, wildland fire and natural resource partnerships.

Hubbard holds a bachelor's in forest management from Colorado State University and is an Honor Alum of the College of Natural Resources.