Bain is new director for Recreation, Lands for Forest Service

George Bain is the new director of Recreation, Lands, Minerals, Heritage and Wilderness for the Northern Region.

The appointment of Bain, announced by Faye Krueger, regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service Northern Region, was made recently. He began his post Nov. 13, working in the Regional Headquarters in Missoula after serving five years as forest supervisor of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Georgia. 

While there, Bain was honored as the 2012 Federal Land Manager of the Year for the Forest Service.

“George has a history of bringing creative and innovative ideas to communities as recognized by his recent award,” said Krueger. “We’re extremely fortunate to have him back in the region.”

Bain started working in the Forest Service in 1979 as a forest technician supervising field crews on the Clearwater National Forest in Kooskia, Idaho. Two years later, he moved to the Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez Perce National Forest in Idaho as a professional forester working in timber management. 

In 1985, Bain began managing wilderness, recreation, special uses and minerals on the Kootenai National Forest in Montana. He also served as district ranger on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest before leaving the region in 2003.

With about 24 years of experience in Idaho and Montana, it’s somewhat of a homecoming for Bain.

“In a way, I feel like I’m coming home,” said Bain.  “My experiences working in western forests are ones that shaped me early in my career, and gave me valuable perspectives that have been essential since then.”

“I am truly looking forward to all the opportunities and challenges I know I’ll face in this new position, and to working with the many agency employees and partners managing the incredible natural resources the Region has to offer.”

Bain is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), earning a bachelor of science in forestry and wildlife. 

Bain plans to reside in Missoula with his wife and teenage son. His daughter attends North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Ga.