Silver City, NM – The Gila National Forest is pleased to welcome Stephanie Schmitz as the new forest Safety and Occupational Health Manager.

Stephanie comes from the Carson National Forest in Taos where she also served as the Safety and Occupational Health Manager. Schmitz began her career with the Forest Service in 2017 on the Carson. She received her undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology from University of Montana and her master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Safety and Occupation Health from Montana State University. In the past Schmitz worked in wildlife research and management for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Glacier National Park, National Marine and Fisheries Service and for the U.S. Geological Survey.

Rescue K9 IngridSchmitz stated: "I am excited to join the Gila National Forest and to be of support as needed. Many years ago, I worked briefly on the Mexican spotted owl project. I was assigned to a team based out of Luna to survey the owls in the Gila Wilderness and Blue Range. My husband and I are excited to explore more of the Gila." Schmitz will be joined by her search and rescue K-9 Ingrid.
 
For information on the Gila National Forest, check out their website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila or join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GilaNForest/ or follow us on Twitter @GilaNForest.