Carbonari named new Deputy Supervisor of Kootenai National Forest
Seth Carbonari
The Kootenai National Forest is pleased to welcome Seth Carbonari as the new Deputy Forest Supervisor.
Carbonari is no stranger to the Kootenai, as he currently serves as the District Ranger on the Rexford/Fortine Ranger District.
Carbonari officially began serving in his new deputy role Dec. 16. He replaced Heidi McRoberts, who accepted a Forest Supervisor position in July 2024 on the Cibola National Forest in New Mexico.
Growing up in Northwest Montana, Carbonari began his robust career as a seasonal firefighter for the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation while attending first, Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, then graduating from the University of Montana.
He transitioned to a firefighting position on the Flathead National Forest, which led to over 25 years in fire management positions, ranging from engine boss to District Fire Management Officer. This eventually led to Carbonari to become a District Ranger, serving on the West Fork Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest in 2018 until 2021, when he made the transition to Eureka as the District Ranger.
“The Kootenai is a great place to be,” Carbonari states. “I very much look forward to continuing service to the Forest, the employees, and partners that help manage it and the surrounding communities.”
Carbonari’s career journey also included a season at Everglades National Park, a season as a smokejumper in Missoula, over 15 years assisting with the Flathead Avalanche Center and numerous details and assignments across the country and internationally.
“The Kootenai is excited for Seth’s transition into the Deputy Forest Supervisor position,” said Chad Benson, Kootenai Forest Supervisor. “He has done a wonderful job in his current position, immensely helping the Forest and we look forward to what his strengths will bring into this role.”
Carbonari said he continues to learn from and be inspired by the land the Service helps manage, the people who help care for it and the public it serves.
He and his wife Kristy chase their dogs all over Northwest Montana on snow, rock and water.