Montana Woman to Head Forest Service

New Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell takes part in a ceremony at the Agriculture Department in Washington, Friday, Jan. 12, 2007. The Montana forester became the first woman to head the U.S. Forest Service, succeeding retiring chief Dale Bosworth. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (Pablo Martinez Monsivais - AP)

Bosworth, a career forester who became chief in April 2001, will step down Feb. 2.

Johanns said the Forest Service achieved a fourfold increase in the amount of fire-prone trees and brush cleared from national forests under Bosworth's direction.

Senate Energy Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., praised the retiring chief for dealing better with severe wildfires, invasive species, development of forests and grasslands and damage caused by motorized vehicles.

Bosworth was a key player in Bush's program to increase timber sales and auction off oil and gas leases in roadless areas of national forests. The Clinton administration had put that land off-limits to commercial development.

Among the most controversial decisions during his tenure has been the Bush administration's promotion of logging in the Tongass. Some of the areas the Clinton administration had tried to protect have trails and roads, but many are considered pristine havens for wildlife and waterways or are prized for their scenery and recreation.

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On the Net:

Forest Service: http://www.fs.fed.us/

Northern Region: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1