KALISPELL — A new forest supervisor is coming to the Flathead National Forest.
Kurt Steele, who has been the deputy forest supervisor for the Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forests for the past three years, is expected to begin work in mid-February.
“I am very pleased to welcome Kurt to the Flathead National Forest,” said Regional Forester Leanne Marten. “Kurt is a proven leader who welcomes new voices and diverse perspectives and has dedicated his career to public service.”
Steele has also completed three recent temporary forest supervisor assignments on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho, the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana, and the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois. Prior to his current position on the Nez Perce-Clearwater, Steele served as a district ranger on the Superior National Forest in Minnesota.
“I am tremendously honored to serve the public and forest employees as Flathead National Forest’s new supervisor," said Steele. "I look forward to engaging with our partners, local businesses, and surrounding communities as we write the forest’s next chapter together.”
Steele succeeds Chip Weber, who retired at the end of 2019 after nearly serving as Flathead National Forest Supervisor for nearly a decade.
