NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service -- Northern Region
	       	
June 10, 2004
News Contact: Paula Nelson, Media Officer (406)329-3472 or cell (406)370-7147
	 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Nez Perce National Forest

Missoula, Montana, -- Steve Williams has been selected as the new Deputy Forest Supervisor of the Nez Perce Forest according to Gail Kimbell, Regional Forester for the Northern Region of the Forest Service.  The Forest headquarters are in Grangeville, ID.

“Steve will bring a great mix of skills to his new job,” Kimbell said.  “He is an excellent leader and he is familiar with the people and resource issues in this beautiful and resource rich forest.”

“I’m really please to have the opportunity to work on the forest again and in a position where I will be involved with the many issues and opportunities affecting sound resource restoration,” said Williams.  He currently lives in Bismarck, ND and was on a temporary assignment to the Nez Perce Forest when notified of his selection for his new position.
  
Williams started his career as a forester nearly 27 years ago.  He has held increasingly more complex positions during his career in forest and grassland management, including four years as the District Ranger on the Red River Ranger District near Elk City.  His plans for the future are to build teamwork and relationships within the Forest Service and with communities that will help implement projects and conserve all of the resources of the National Forests.

Williams most recent position has been Staff Officer with responsibilities for Planning, Recreation, Lands, Soil, Water, Heritage Resources and Public Affairs for the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands stationed in Bismarck, ND.  During his time in North Dakota, he also served as the North Dakota legislative coordinator for the Custer National Forest.

Williams received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Forest Ecology from Utah State University.  

He is single and has a 24-year-old daughter who just graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in conservation biology.  Steve is an avid user of the public lands.  "I enjoy all activities in the outdoors including boating, rafting, bird hunting, fly fishing, hiking and outdoor photography."
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