New Forest Supervisor announced for Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland

PORTLAND, Ore., April 8, 2025 – The USDA Forest Service has named Jeff Marszal as the new Forest Supervisor for the Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland. Marszal will begin serving in the role June 1.

Marszal brings more than a decade of diverse leadership and land management experience to the position, with a background that spans field operations, policy, and executive-level forest planning. He currently serves as Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico and began his Forest Service career in 2011 as an Environmental Coordinator on the Ochoco National Forest.

Since then, Marszal has served in a range of positions across the agency, including District Ranger on both the Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests in California, and as the Natural Resources Staff Officer on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington. Most recently, he detailed as Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, gaining broad leadership experience across a variety of landscapes and programs.

This lateral move reflects the Forest Service’s continued focus on strengthening leadership capacity in the field. 

“Jeff brings a thoughtful and steady leadership style that’s rooted in both field experience and a deep understanding of natural resource policy,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region. “His commitment to public service and collaborative stewardship will be a great fit for the forest and the communities it serves.”

Marszal holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from Hunter College, a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from Cal Poly Humboldt, and a master's in public administration and natural resource policy from Portland State University’s Hatfield School of Government.

“I’m honored to take on this role and continue working alongside dedicated Forest Service employees and partners,” said Marszal. “The Ochoco National Forest and Crooked River National Grassland are remarkable places, and I look forward to helping steward these resources with care, collaboration, and an eye toward the future.”

Outside of work, Marszal enjoys exploring wild places, spending time traveling and connecting with family and friends.

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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