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U.S. Forest Service veteran<br>enjoys new role on the Kaibab

TUSAYAN — In a career spanning 21 years, Brad Johnson has served the U.S. Forest Service in just about every corner of Arizona. In fact, he’s worked on every forest except Prescott.

Brad Johnson recently took over the lead role on an interim basis at the Kaibab National Forest's Tusayan Ranger District.

Johnson’s latest assignment is serving as the acting district ranger for the Tusayan Ranger District of Kaibab National Forest.

"I’m very fond of the area from Hull Cabin to Grandview Lookout," said Johnson, who arrived for his current role July 29. "There are some real treasures up here."

Those who chat with Johnson for only a short time will realize his love for Arizona’s forests. The historic 1880s-era Hull Cabin, situated in a meadow with old-growth ponderosa pine, and Grandview Lookout Tower, built in 1936 to spot fires, are just two of his favorites.

But Johnson enjoys more than the historic or natural elements of the forest. He’s also interested in relationships with other entities in the area.

"Because of all of the things that go on up here ... the community looks to Kaibab National Forest as part of the community," Johnson said.

Johnson came to the Kaibab from the Globe Ranger District in Tonto National Forest, where he had worked since 1995. Overall, Johnson is an 11-year veteran of the Tonto and has worked for the Forest Service for just over two decades.

"I was an ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) liaison there working between transportation and the Forest Service," Johnson said about his previous assignment.

Jerry Payne is still officially Tusayan’s district ranger, but he’s still on assignment in Albuquerque, N.M. Payne, whose permanent status at Tusayan could change in the near future, is working for the National Fire Plan.

Johnson said he’s scheduled to work for the Tusayan Ranger District at least until November. However, the status of his current assignment could possibly change.

Payne actually left the Tusayan district well before Johnson’s arrival in late July. A couple of others had been filling in as the interim ranger, including Susan Skalski who heads up the Williams Ranger District.

Johnson said the Tusayan district is fairly quiet right now as far as projects are concerned. Things such as converting areas of sagebrush to grass and the on-again, off-again controlled burns are just a few examples of current projects.

Late last month, Johnson took part in the dedication of the Hogan Project at the Cameron Navajo Nation Chapter, which addresses affordable housing needs and will creates jobs.

The Forest Service will be just one partner in the multi-agency effort.

Johnson welcomes contact from the local community on any local issues. He can be reached at 638-2443.


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