Mendocino National Forest welcomes new forest supervisor
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — The Mendocino National Forest has welcomed as its new supervisor a member of a Northern California tribe who also is an Air Force veteran.
Wade McMaster began his role as the permanent forest supervisor on the Mendocino National Forest on Monday, Nov. 7.
McMaster is the Mendocino National Forest’s 23rd supervisor, succeeding Ann Carlson, who served as forest supervisor since April 2015.
He is a member of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California and served 13 years as Chairman. He continues to serve on the Tribal Council as Vice Chairman.
“I feel blessed to walk both paths as a Native American and as a Forest Service family member, understanding that we all have so much in common when it comes to our passion for caring for the land,” said McMaster.
McMaster has been with the Forest Service for over 12 years and grew up in Northern California near Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests.
He comes to the Mendocino National Forest from the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest, where he served for four years as district ranger for the Gold Beach Ranger District.
McMaster also recently completed a 120-day detail as acting forest supervisor on the Shoshone National Forest.
“I’m delighted that Wade is returning to work with us here in the Pacific Southwest Region,” said Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien.
McMaster holds a B.A. in liberal arts from Excelsior College and a master’s degree in educational counseling from the University of LaVerne.
He served for 10 years in the Air Force as a Russian cryptologic linguist and worked in information technology before joining the Forest Service.
Previous to his role as a Forest Service district manager, McMaster was the tribal relations program manager for Region 5, where he worked with leadership to develop, maintain and nurture relationships with over 150 California tribes.
McMaster also worked as a tribal liaison for the Plumas, Lassen and Modoc National Forests.
He and his wife Stacie enjoy taking road trips and getting outdoors in their spare time.