McFadden retiring as district ranger

BONNERS FERRY — A new ranger will be overseeing the forest at the end of July. Six-year Bonners Ferry District Ranger Linda McFadden retired at the end of June from the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.

“It has been a privilege for me to work with you,” said McFadden at the June KVRI meeting.

Replacing McFadden as district ranger is Kevin Knauth, who is working as the Seward District Ranger in the Chugach National Forest in Alaska.

Knauth’s current permanent position is at the Idaho BLM state office in Boise as a fire planner, mitigation/education lead, community assistance lead and fire trespass lead.

Knauth has prior experience with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Forest Service in fire and vegetation management.

“He is a real good fit for the community,” said McFadden.

Knauth begins his position as Bonners Ferry District Ranger on July 29.

In the interim, Dan Scaise, a forest hydrologist from the Coeur d’Alene office, is the acting ranger.