New ranger in Libby

Nathan Gassmann will assume the position of District Ranger for the Libby Ranger District effective Jan. 26, 2015, according to a press release from the Kootenai National Forest supervisor’s office of the United States Forest Service.

Gassmann is currently the recreation program manager at the Wise River Ranger District, where he has led the planning efforts for recreation, wilderness, trails, cultural resources and other miscellaneous functions. He has been with the forest service since 1999, starting on the trail crew in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. He was hired permanently in 2002 and has since worked in the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Flathead National Forest.

“I am honored to be selected as District Ranger for the Kootenai National Forest and excited for the possibilities in working with the community,” Gassman said. “The opportunity to work with such an exceptional diversity of forest resources is humbling as a new District Ranger.”

Gassmann is an Iowa native and graduate of Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in forestry with an emphasis in forest ecosystem management. “I am pleased to have Nate join the Kootenai National Forest as a District Ranger in Libby and am excited about his abilities to work with diverse groups and local communities,” said Chris Savage, Kootenai National Forest Supervisor.

Gassman and his family enjoy camping, hiking, gardening and fishing.