Duda to serve as Acting Divide District Ranger

DEL NORTE — The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) announced Thursday, Nov. 10, that Kevin Duda has begun serving as the acting District Ranger on the Divide Ranger District based out of Del Norte.

Duda has served on the Divide Ranger District since 2008, beginning as a Forester and most recently as the Supervisory Forester. Prior to his arrival on the Divide District, he worked on the Conejos Peak Ranger District for three years while completing his bachelor’s in Forestry and master’s in Forest Sciences at Colorado State University.

“I am excited about Kevin Duda serving in this key leadership position on the Divide Ranger District,” said Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas. “Kevin’s wealth of local knowledge, vast experience in forestry and silviculture will be advantageous to the District, Forest and the community.”

Duda added, “I was raised in the San Luis Valley and have a tremendous amount of respect for both the tenacity and the kindness of communities here. Serving as the Acting District Ranger has been humbling to see firsthand how each of the employees on the District show up as professionals and passionately manage land and resources on behalf of the public.”

Duda stepped into the position on Sept. 19, behind the Carson National Forest’s, Chris Griffith, who served in the role from June 2. Duda will serve in a four-month appointment or until District Ranger, Martha Williamson, returns from her leave of absence.

In their free time, Duda and his wife enjoy exploring the outdoors with their dogs and spending time with family.