A New District Ranger is Welcomed on Bitterroot National Forest

The new Darby/Sula District Ranger on the Bitterroot National Forest is Abbie Jossie. Actually, she's already stepped into the position, formerly held by Eric Winthers. Tod McKay of the Bitterroot Forest reports that Winthers retired last month after 34 years with the Forest Service and Jossie began work on November 22.

Jossie has had a career with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), starting with range management and moving into senior BLM management positions, including district manager in Oregon, acting Assistant Director of BLM National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships, and acting Deputy Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park.

In a news release, Bitterroot Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson said, "We are extremely fortunate to bring Abbie and her wealth of leadership skills to the Bitterroot National Forest. She has a great track record and a history of working with communities and partners to handle very complex resource issues."

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Jossie said, "My husband and I are very excited to relocate to Montana and to the Bitterroot Valley in particular. We have been visiting and recreating in Montana for years and are thrilled to be closer to family here in the valley. I look forward to continuing the good work of the district and forest, and engaging with the community and the partners as we manage our incredible natural resources and landscapes." Abbie's husband, Don, is a retired soil scientist, and their son and fiance live in Florence.

The Darby/Sula Ranger District has an office in Darby and their phone number is 406 821-3913. For more information on the Bitterroot National Forest, check their Facebook page.