(MISSOULA, Mont., March 25, 2025) ̶ USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz today announced Kristin Bail will serve as acting regional forester for the Northern Region, effective March 31, 2025. Bail will temporarily succeed Regional Forester Leanne Marten as she reaches her long-planned retirement date after 34 years of service.
“I would like to thank Leanne for her dedication and exemplary leadership. She leaves a legacy of successful partnerships and collaboration,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.
As acting regional forester, Bail will oversee management of nine national forests and one national grassland within Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota.
“Kristin’s understanding of the importance of field work and collaboration with state and local decision-makers perfectly positions her to serve in this leadership role for the Northern Region. As the agency focuses on safety, active forest management, fire management and recreation, Bail will work with our partners to advance the agency’s mission critical work,” said Chief Schultz.
Bail’s land management career spans more than 40 years where she served in a variety of field positions and leadership roles at the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Most recently, Bail served as the deputy regional forester for the Southwestern Region and previously as forest supervisor for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington State. She also served at the executive level as assistant director for the Bureau of Land Management’s Resources and Planning Directorate.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Northern Region as we steward the health and productivity of our nation’s forests and grasslands,” said Bail. “I look forward to building relationships across the region as we focus on delivering on the agency’s priorities.”
For more information about the Forest Service visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/.
