US Forest Service appoints new forest supervisor for Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

WENATCHEE — The U.S. Forest Service announced the appointment of Tara Umphries as the new forest supervisor for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in a press release Oct. 24.

Umphries has been acting forest supervisor since July and will start the official position on Dec. 1.

Umphries will relocate to Wenatchee from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she was serving in the Rocky Mountain region as a special assistant to the regional forester, focused on shared stewardship and wildfire crisis strategy, according to the release.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work on such a diverse and complex forest with amazing people,” Umphries stated in the press release. “The people and partnerships on the Okanogan-Wenatchee have really stood out to me over the past several months while I’ve been acting in the position. I look forward to being able to support the work they are doing and the relationships the forest has with the Tribal nations, communities, partners, and the public it serves.”

Umphries has more than 20 years of experience with the U.S. Forest Service, according to the release. She started as a wildland firefighter, then moved into leadership roles, such as fuels program manager for the Willamette National Forest, fire planner for the Pacific Northwest Region 6, and district ranger for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Umphries also has experience in wildlife crisis strategy work, the release stated.

“Tara’s extensive experience and collaborative spirit will be a tremendous asset to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest,” stated Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region, in the release. “Her background in wildfire management and dedication to engaging with local communities resonate deeply with our region’s goal to build lasting partnerships. I am confident that her leadership will enhance our efforts to support both the needs of the community and the wildlife that depend on these lands.”