December 1, 2011; Silver City, NM Gila National Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell has announced Roman "Ray" Torres as the new Wilderness District Ranger. "I am very pleased to have Ray join the Forest's management team as he comes with an extensive background in natural resource management. He will be sharing similar responsibilities with the other five District Rangers on the Forest in managing resources and working with local community citizens and organizations, elected officials, sister agencies, etc.," says Forest Supervisor Russell. "A unique feature in this District Ranger position is that Ray, along with District employees in the Mimbres Valley, will be managing the majority of the Gila Wilderness plus areas in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness," Russell adds.
Torres is arriving from the Modoc National Forest (NF) in northern California where he serves as District Ranger for the Devil's Garden/Warner Mountain Ranger District (RD). Prior to the Modoc NF, he was the Deputy District Ranger on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll RD on the Klamath NF and District Lands and Recreation Officer for the Hat Creek RD on the Lassen NF. Both the Klamath and Lassen NFs are also in northern California.
With over 20 years experience with the US Forest Service and the California State Parks system, Torrres also served as a State Park Ranger and State Park Supervisor working in law enforcement, lands, recreation, and resource management, as well as managing prescribed fire programs and park administration at various locations.
Along with his spouse, Barbara, he has operated their family owned equine supply business in Texas. They have their own stock and enjoy riding, packing, and camping whenever they get the chance.
Upon Torres's reporting date of December 4, 2011, Acting District Ranger Kendall Brown returns to his permanent work station at the Glenwood Ranger District as Range Staff Officer.