MONTE VISTA — The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) announced Feb. 24 that Andrew Kelher was appointed to serve as the next Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Forest. Kelher comes to the RGNF from Arizona’s Kaibab National Forest in the Southwest Region where he has served in both District Ranger and Deputy District Ranger positions. Andrew holds degrees in Rangeland Management and Crop and Soil Science from Oregon State University (La Grande).

“I am very excited to have Andrew join the Rio Grande National Forest in his new leadership role,” said Dan Dallas, forest supervisor for the Rio Grande National Forest. “Andrew’s work experience at several levels of the agency and across multiple resource areas will be a great asset to the Forest and our communities.”

Kelher began serving in his new role on the RGNF on February 14 and will be stationed out of the Monte Vista office until the Forest headquarters moves to De Norte later this year.

“I have wanted to work on the Rio Grande for a long time,” said Kelher, who has roots in Colorado. “This will be a great opportunity for me to engage with the local communities while providing leadership on an incredibly diverse forest with a dedicated work force.”

In his spare time, Andy like to spend time outdoors and hopes to find many places to fish. When not fishing, Andrew spends time with his wife at home, tending vegetable gardens and reading science fiction.

For information on the Rio Grande National Forest, call 719-852-5941.