Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth Announces his RetirementWASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the selection of Abigail Kimbell as the 16th chief of the Forest Service. Kimbell succeeds Chief Dale Bosworth, who is retiring on Feb. 2 after 41 years with the Forest Service.
"Abigail Kimbell is a veteran of the Forest Service who began as a seasonal worker and has since filled an impressive series of field assignments," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "Gail brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. She is well respected both within the agency and by our stakeholders. I'm confident she will do a terrific job as chief."
"I am grateful to Dale Bosworth for his 41 years of public service and
especially for the tremendous leadership he provided during his six years as chief," Johanns continued. "I am struck by all that the Forest Service accomplished under his watch, from advancing the Healthy Forest Initiative to a four-fold increase in fuels treatment work. He also bolstered the agency's financial system, making it a source of pride government wide. I wish Dale all the best in retirement."
Kimbell currently serves as Regional Forester for the Northern Region in
Missoula, Montana, which includes northern Idaho, and North Dakota. As
Forest Service Chief, Kimbell will oversee an organization of over 30,000
employees and a budget of just over $4 billion. Before becoming regional
forester, Kimbell served in the Washington Office as Associate Deputy
Chief for the National Forest System, with responsibility for assisting in the
development of the Healthy Forest Restoration Initiative.