Ranger reports on USFS personnel changes, timber sales

There have been several personnel changes within the Superior Ranger District recently, reported District Ranger, Carole Johnson at a recent Mineral County commissioners meeting.

Longtime forester, Edward Bringenberg retired in January after 36 years on the job. His position is currently in the hiring que and they hoped to have the positon advertised soon. However, the process may be delayed because of President Trump’s hiring freeze of civilian employees. Trump’s order stated “no vacant positions existing at noon on January 22, 2017, may be filled and no new positions may be created, except in limited circumstances.”

Also, Nate Kagel who works for the Forest Service, recently took a position as Assistant Forest Engineer. They haven’t decided if they will refill his position or what they will do. Beth Kennedy, also with the Forest Service, recently retired. Kennedy’s position was recently filled by Heather Burman, who is from New Mexico.

Johnson announced to the commissioners that there will be funding for the Youth Conservation Corp. The Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) awarded $13,000 for this summer. Funds will be used to hire five students and a crew leader, plus supplies and to rent a vehicle for two and a half months. The students will work on projects such as trails, campgrounds, marking trees for timber crews, fisheries, bridge work, and weed control. She will be talking with St. Regis and Superior school officials to promote the program.

There may also be a slight increase with campgrounds and cabin rentals.

“We’re looking at raising fees,” Johnson said, “we haven’t had a fee increase for a long time and they are losing money.”

She cited the Savenac Cook House rental which is $80. The house is often rented out for family reunions for 50 to 100 people and by the time they pay for utilities, plowing in the winter, and garbage, the fee doesn’t cover the costs.

Timber sales were also reviewed at the meeting. Johnson said their crews were marking and cruising out Murphy Creek. The contract for three quarters of a million plus board feet will go to the supervisor’s office around mid-February.

In other timber sale packages, Seven Mag is being repackaged and will go to the supervisor’s office in mid-April. In mid-March, Camouflage will also be sent to the supervisor, along with Johnson Camp out of Jam Cracker in July.

They are in the process of requesting stewardship for some of the projects, including Camouflage and Murphy Creek. With stewardship contracting, the Forest Service works closely with local communities to improve land conditions. More funds are also kept in communities because of using local resources.