WINNEMUCCA - The new forest supervisor for the Humboldt- Toiyabe National Forest spent a morning in Winnemucca to meet with locals willing to come by the USDA - Forest Service office.
He brought a retired forester, Lyle Laverty, with him to facilitate the discussion with area folks. Laverty asked those who came to meet the new supervisor, "What is going well, and what can be improved?"
As forest supervisor, Bill Dunkelberger will have the responsibility for managing 6.3 million acres in Nevada and eastern California.
Dunkelberger has been in land management since 1980, when he began his career with the Forest Service. He has also worked for the BLM. In 2002, Dunkelberger was introduced to the Humboldt-Toiyabe area when he was field Manager for BLM's Bishop Field Office.
Among those who came to meet the new forest supervisor were two Humboldt County commissioners, the county administrator, representatives of Nevada Outdoor School, a ranching corporation president, interagency dispatch personnel, the Winnemucca BLM District's fire management officer and forest service personnel.
Those who visited with Dunkelberger told him they've had good relationships with the Forest Service, and Dunkelberger said he wanted to see that continue.
Dunkelberger went around to each of the individuals or groups represented, asking for their input. The young people with Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) work with the Forest Service helping with trail building and cleanup as well as other projects on the Forest Service managed lands.
Dunkelberger said NOS and volunteer help with trail maintenance has been "hugely beneficial." He commented, "We don't have a standing trail maintenance crew." NOS has also helped with conservation education in Humboldt County's rural schools through a Forest Service grant.
Commissioner Marlene Brissenden commented that local people seemed pretty pleased with the Travel Management Plan recently updated by the Forest Service.
Commissioner Amos hoped the new Forest Supervisor would take a hard look at water development policies, which he said were too strict and made it difficult for grazing permittees to develop stock water.
Dunkelberger said, regarding water development policies, that people above his pay grade are working with the state on that issue, but noted that the Forest Service's emphasis is to make sure the water stays with the permit - which Amos said was the county's goal as well.
Humboldt County Administrator Bill Deist told Dunkelberger that Humboldt County has a good working relationship with the Forest Service.
"We have tried not to be adversarial, but to sit at the table for collaboration and cooperation rather than confrontation," he said.
BLM Fire Management Officer Mike Fettic mentioned the fire rehabilitation needed, and it was noted that when the fire engine for Paradise Valley ranger station was cut, the BLM contributed a fire truck and Forest Service personnel to man it.
Fettic is FMO for 8.2 million acres in Humboldt County and 10.4 million acres in Lander County, and he answered Dunkelberger's questions about fuel load and average fire incidents in the area.
Nevada First Corporation (NFC) President Gary Bengochea said he'd been pleased to see the Forest Service purchase some NFC lands. Those purchases have consolidated public land to both parties' benefit.
Those at the open house were asked what they wanted to see in a forest supervisor.
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Bengochea said, "Someone who takes the time to go out onto the forest and see what's actually there." Bengochea also hoped the Forest Service will continue to maintain the historic cabins and ranger stations on the district.
Nancy Elsworth, supervisor of the Central Nevada Interagency Dispatch Center said she valued communication most highly.
Commissioner Amos said he'd like to see a diversified individual able to understand the needs of all land interests in the area.
Andy Hart of NOS said he hopes the new supervisor will listen to the folks who know what's going on at the district level, and will be open minded and willing to listen to ideas.
Deist said having a Forest Supervisor who is approachable is important to the county.
Dunkelberger commented on something he's working on to address the problems caused when gates are left open and livestock get into areas they're not supposed to be in. He noted that he's seen a type of ATV cattle guard that has worked well in Utah, and he's working on getting some Resource Advisory Council (RAC) money to install them here.
Dunkelberger gave a good indication of what it will be like for forest service grazing permittees to work with him. He said, "I believe the livestock permittees are as fine a land managers as you'll see because they know they need the land, and if you go talk to the permittees you'll find out what's working and what's not working with land management." He added that he'd spent the previous day meeting with a number of permittees in the area.
Dunkelberger is working with the governor's Sagebrush Ecosystem Council and the BLM State Council on Sage Grouse issues. He expressed his appreciation to all who came to meet him throughout the morning and gave assurance he did not intend to be a heavy-handed supervisor, saying, "I want to invest as much authority as I can to the local people," he added, "If you have a problem, go to your local people first."
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