Doug Browning takes the reins as new DNRC fire supervisor

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation just officially welcomed the new fire supervisor Doug Browning into the position.

After the retirement of Calvin Minemyer earlier this year, the DNRC opened applications both inside and outside the agency to fill the role for the hub in Plains.

With an abundance of interest, the position was finally offered to Plains local Doug Browning.

Browning, having been born and raised in Plains, is seen to be more than qualified over a range of areas as he steps into his new charge.

Before joining the DNRC, Browning worked with Lolo National Forest for a few years straight out of high school. As an opportunity opened with the DNRC, he was hired on and now 22 years down the track, he has worked his way up through the state department.

“I really enjoy being in the woods, and want to ensure they are looked after for all the generations to come,” said Browning when asked what drives him to his commitment of being a part of the DNRC.

Browning, very much an outdoorsman, he has also served overseas with the United States Army, and currently serves with the U.S. Army Reserves.

He said that there were many skill sets that he’s learned from his time in the service that he plans to effectively cross over into his new duty.

“There are a number of things I have learned that I hope I can implement into training for our team that will help us be successful as a team,” said Browning.

Though spring has really only just arrived, Browning is hitting the ground running as he prepares his team, and gets set to begin their annual training in preparation for the long summer ahead.

“You have to crawl before you can walk, before you can run,” said Browning of how he was set to kick off the training with his crews.

Simple and effective seems to be the beat he drums to, this could come from his years of experience in the service, a mountain kid growing up in here in Sanders County or maybe it comes from the years of shadowing his predecessor.

No matter the drive behind the reason, Browning aims to continue to take a pro-active outlook to his new position within the DNRC.

He mentioned after last years intense fire season, that there were a number of issues that can be worked on, and he hopes to tackle those head on.

Though not major issues, he said being able to address all the little things as quickly as possible will help them have a better team.

“It’s really important to continue to build good solid working relationships within our teams, and other fire responder teams. We all have the same goal, and we all want everyone to enjoy the woods,” said Browning.