Wisconsin Ag Connection - Berklund Appointed as DNR's New State Forester

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Berklund Appointed as DNR's New State Forester
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/22/2020

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has promoted Heather Berklund as the agency's new Chief State Forester.

She began her forestry career with the DNR in 2000, where she served as a field forester in Merrill, Crandon and Mercer for more than a decade before taking on the role of team leader for Ashland-and then the Woodruff area leader in 2016.

Berklund earned a bachelor degree in forestry from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and has continued her education through forestry short-courses in Germany and Mexico. She also participated in the 2019 Women in Government leadership academy and received the Division of Forestry 2014 Supervisor of the Year award.

"I am proud to announce Heather taking on this leadership role," said State DNR Secretary Preston Cole. "She brings years of on-the-ground Wisconsin forest management and fire control experience to this position. As the first woman in Wisconsin's history to hold this role, I know she will bring diverse perspectives to the table in her work."

Her appointment became effective on October 12 and she will continue to be based out of Rhinelander.

Other Wisconsin Headlines