(Kamiah, ID) –Heath Perrine of Challis, Idaho has accepted the position as Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, effective June 16th. Perrine has been serving in the position on a temporary basis since February. The Deputy Forest Supervisor position has been filled on a temporary basis since the previous Deputy Forest Supervisor, Marty
Mitzkus, took a position as Deputy Director of Fire and Aviation in the Regional Office in Missoula, Montana last fall.
“I am really looking forward to Heath’s expertise in recreation and engineering and the experience he brings being raised in this area,” said Cheryl Probert, Forest Supervisor for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. “It is important for the continuity of leadership on the Forests that a Deputy Forest Supervisor value the people, the land and our communities. Heath is that person.”
Perrine’s most recent position was the District Ranger for the Challis-Yankee Fork and Middle Fork Districts, which is just upriver of the Nez Perce-Clearwater on the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Perrine served in that position for four years and enjoyed the unique challenges and diverse landscapes that are not unlike those on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
He started his career working summers on the former Nez Perce Forest as a wildland firefighter in Elk City while finishing school to be a civil engineer. After graduation from Boise State University, he served in numerous engineering roles on the Salmon-Challis, Kootenai, and Idaho Panhandle National Forests. “My experience has taught me the value of active forest management and the importance of relationships with partners and stakeholders that live, work, and recreate on our forests and in our communities,” Perrin stated.
“I have been blessed to live in Idaho for nearly my entire life,” Perrine said. “My spouse and I both grew up in separate but small communities that are served by the Nez Perce-Clearwater, and we’re excited to be coming home! When not at work, you can find me outdoors with my wife and three kids tackling numerous adventures including hunting, fishing, backpacking, and off-roading.”
