PUBLIC LANDS -- The Colville National Forest has named a new district ranger for the Republic District.

Tom Whitford, 20 years with the agency, will take over on March 14. He will replace Steve Rawlings, the forest’s fire management officer, who has served as acting district ranger since November.

Read on for more details.

Whitford  has worked in the fields of wildlife biology, timber, range, fire and fuels, minerals, recreation, special-use permits, partnerships and collaboration, forest officials said. He's also served as an acting ditrict ranger in two other regions.

He's leaving his position as manager of the Custer National Forest wildlife and fisheries program in Billings, Mont. 

He's bringing to Republic his wife and son, their two dogs, horse, and mule.

Whitford received Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana and in 1984 began his career with the Forest Service on the Kootenai National Forest in timber sale preparation, fire and wildlife biology.  He also served as a wildlife biologist on the Lewis and Clark National Forest.

The Republic Ranger District office is located on 650 East Delaware Ave. in Republic, WA.  To reach the Ranger Station by phone, call (509) 775-7400 or visit Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p. m.  To visit Colville National Forest’s website, visit www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville

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