Forest Service Chief Schultz announces Acting Regional Forester for the Intermountain Region
Contact Information: Ryan Sutherland, Communications Director SM.FS.R4_Press_Off@usda.gov
OGDEN, Utah, April 21, 2025 — USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz today announced Ben Newburn will serve as acting regional forester for the Intermountain Region, effective April 28, 2025. Newburn will temporarily succeed Regional Forester Mary Farnsworth, who is retiring after 38 years of dedicated and distinguished service.
“I want to thank Mary for her commitment and outstanding leadership in advancing the Forest Service mission. Throughout her four years as regional forester, Mary was on the frontlines of many of the agency's most challenging decisions,” said Chief Tom Schultz.
“Ben’s extensive wildland fire background and experience working alongside state and local agencies perfectly positions him to serve in this leadership role.
As the agency prioritizes safety, active forest management, fire management, and recreation, Ben will work shoulder to shoulder with our partners to advance the agency’s mission-critical work,” said Chief Schultz.
As acting regional forester, Newburn will oversee the management of more than 34 million acres of national forests and grasslands in six states: Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and portions of California, and Colorado.
Newburn brings over 25 years of land management experience to the position, gained through his work with both the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. His previous roles include deputy forest supervisor, deputy regional director, and various positions in Fire & Aviation Management in Montana, Washington, California, and Utah. He has also served as an incident commander on several significant and complex incidents. Newburn attended Eastern Washington University where he earned a degree in biological sciences with an emphasis in botany.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to lead the Intermountain Region as we work to care for the health and productivity of our nation’s forests and grasslands,” said Newburn. “I look forward to developing relationships throughout the region to support the agency’s priorities and the mission of the Forest Service.”
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