SILVER CITY, NM, August 12, 2024 –The Gila National Forest has had some long-standing vacancies in its ranger staff, leaving members of the public scratching their heads when it comes to reaching out to their local District Ranger, and the forest has been remiss in announcing those changes. We would like to rectify that omission to clarify who's who in Gila National Forest leadership.
The Glenwood Ranger District's former District Ranger, Brian Stultz, has been reappointed and is now the permanent Wilderness District Ranger, leaving a vacancy at Glenwood.
Elizabeth Toney is currently the Acting District Ranger for the Glenwood Ranger District, in addition to her duties as the Silver City District Ranger. In order to provide greater support in this expanded ranger role, Tony Ybarra, Wildlife Biologist for the Silver City Ranger District, has accepted an appointment as Acting Deputy District Ranger for the Silver City and Glenwood ranger districts.
The Reserve District Ranger position has been vacant since last fall. Bret Ruff is the Acting District Ranger of record for the Reserve Ranger District.
For anyone who missed it, Bret Mellot is the permanent District Ranger for the Black Range Ranger District, and Randall Chavez continues to serve as the Quemado District Ranger.
The District Ranger (or Acting District Ranger) is the line officer of record for the lands within their respective ranger district. Deputies are generally delegated the authority to act in the absence of the ranger or supervisor under whom they serve. "Acting" appointments are of a temporary nature. When a member of the public has an issue or concern about management of an area of the Gila National Forest, the first place to start is with staff on the local ranger district.
Camille Howes is the Gila National Forest Supervisor, and Bret Ruff is the Deputy Forest Supervisor. Their roles are to provide higher-level managerial responsibilities, setting forest-wide goals, coordinating regional programs and policy development, and working with Tribes, members of federal, state, and local governments, communities, and partners. For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or
