Swan Lake Welcomes New District Ranger

SWAN LAKE - The Flathead National Forest is pleased to announce the arrival of Chris Dowling, the new district ranger for the Swan Lake Ranger District following the retirement of Ranger Rich Kehr. Bill Mulholland was also hired as the new district ranger for the Tally Lake Ranger District following Ranger Lisa Timchak's promotion to Forest Supervisor in Wyoming.

Dowling comes to the Flathead National Forest joined by his wife Tanya and four children. Chris brings over 23 years of forestry and natural resource management experience, and has earned several college degrees, including a Masters in Forest Management from Oregon State University in 2003.

In his 14 years with the Forest Service, Dowling has worked as a presale forester, district silviculturist, forest silviculturist and timber program manager and, most recently, the district ranger on the Palomar Ranger District on the Cleveland National Forest. Dowling has worked on National Forests across the country from Wrangell, Alaska to San Diego, Calif.

"I am very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the Swan Lake Ranger District team," said Dowling. "I am looking forward to working together toward investing in our workforce environment and building productive district capacity through partnerships and volunteer opportunities in an effort to further the agency mission and provide for top notch customer service."

 "We're thrilled to have these two very qualified Rangers come join our team on the Flathead," stated Forest Supervisor Chip Weber. "Both Bill and Chris have a proven track record of serving the public and caring for our public lands."