DAYTON—Staff from the Umatilla National Forest Service headquarters in Pendleton attended the Columbia County Commissioners’ Aug. 6, meeting to introduce the new Umatilla National Forest Supervisor, Eric Watrud. Watrud has been on the job since May 13.

“His strong natural resources background and commitment to serving our public make him an ideal candidate to lead the Forest,” said Pacific N.W. Regional Forester, Jim Pena in a May press release.

Pena said Watrud has served as the deputy forest supervisor for the Fremont-Winema National Forest in southern Oregon since 2014, and has served recently in acting forest supervisor roles for the Shoshone National Forest and Fremont-Winema National Forest.

Watrud is replacing outgoing Umatilla National Forest Supervisor Monte Fujishin, who has retired.