Kathy Bushnell accepts permanent position as Helena District Ranger

HELENA, Mont. – Kathy Bushnell of Helena, Mont. has accepted a permanent position as the Helena District Ranger on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Bushnell has worked in the District Ranger position since September in a temporary role, and was offered the permanent position by Forest Supervisor Bill Avey after a competitive application process.

"Kathy's strategic thinking skills, leadership capability, and integrity will serve both the Helena Ranger District and the entire Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest very well," said Avey. "We are excited to have her permanently in this position."

Bushnell began her Forest Service career on the Flathead National Forest, headquartered in Kalispell, Mont., where she worked as a firefighter. She held multiple public affairs positions in Montana and the Dakotas before starting work as the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest's Public Affairs Officer in 2008. When not working, Bushnell spends time with her family-husband, Paul and two sons, Chaz and Connor-hiking, hunting, and skiing.

"I'm glad for the opportunity to continue working with our many partner groups and with the community of Helena as the permanent Helena District Ranger," said Bushnell. "I'm looking forward to the future and to us accomplishing important work on the district that furthers our agency's mission and provides for the needs of our local communities."

Bushnell will permanently transition into the District Ranger job early in the new year. This move vacates a Public Affairs Officer position on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, which will be permanently filled as soon as possible. Jennifer Becar, Acting Public Affairs Officer, will continue to work for the forest through January 2020.

Learn more about the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf.