 January 26, 2005
"I look forward to the challenges," said Kolund. "District ranger has been a career goal for many years. The stewardship of more than 3 million acres of the Tongass National Forest is a huge responsibility." The Ketchikan-Misty Fiords District has more than 50 permanent employees and includes administration of Misty Fiords National Monument. Kolund said he's learned a lot during his four months as the acting ranger and the experience will help him in his new position. "I have been impressed with the quality employees at the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District," said Kolund. "I learned much, but it was all overshadowed by the boating accident in Misty Fiords that took the life of Ricardo Sainz. "We learned first hand the unpredictable and unforgiving environment that we work in. We learned that even employees with good safety records have to constantly recognize hazards and assess risks associated with their work." "Lynn did a great job as the acting ranger," said Tongass National Forest Supervisor Forrest Cole. "He's already guided the district through difficult times. We know he is the right person to continue leading the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District." Kolund, a South Dakota native, has been working on the Tongass for three years and has served in the Forest Service since 1977. Prior to his new ranger job, Kolund served as the Tongass National Forest's recreation specialist in Ketchikan. He has held a variety of positions during his 27-year career including timber forester, silviculturist, recreation and lands forester, and district recreation staff officer. Kolund also has served in details as a public affairs officer and acting district ranger. Aside from Alaska, Kolund has worked on national forests in Wyoming and Colorado. The Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District is one of 10 ranger districts located on the 17-million acre Tongass National Forest. The ranger districts on the Tongass are responsible for managing the national forest for multiple uses to meet the diverse needs of people, including special use permits, watershed protection, recreation, fish, wildlife, timber, subsistence and wilderness areas. Kolund, a U.S. Navy veteran, earned his bachelor's in forest biology from Colorado State University. He also has received specialized training from Utah State University in forest silviculture and recreation planning. Kolund, and his wife, Lyn, have two daughters, Tara and Meghan. "My wife and I have enjoyed living in Ketchikan for the past three years and we look forward to many more," said Kolund. "The friendly atmosphere and pace of life is one of the best kept secrets in the country."
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