Plains-TF district gets new ranger

The Lolo National Forest announced that Erin Carey has been selected as the new ranger for the Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger District.

Carey has been the Deputy District Ranger on the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District on the White River National Forest in Colorado for three years, and is currently in a 120-day detail (temporary) assignment as the acting District Ranger on the Flagstaff Ranger District on the Coconino National Forest in Arizona.

Prior to the White River National Forest, Carey worked in the Forest Service Washington Office in International Programs for five years leading technical cooperation programs in South America. She began her federal career in 2001 when she joined the Peace Corps and worked as an agroforestry volunteer in Mali, West Africa.

Carey has a bachelor's degree in recreation from Western Washington University and a master's degree in natural resource management from the University of Michigan. She is originally from Bellingham, Washington. Carey said she loves to be outside and devotes much of her free time to hiking, climbing, skiing and generally enjoying all the mountains have to offer. She said she looks forward to exploring the beautiful landscapes of western Montana from her new home-base in Plains.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to call this beautiful place home," Carey said. "The Lolo National Forest is a place known for its dedicated employees and communities that care about public lands. I look forward to getting to know the area and engaging with the communities of Sanders County to steward this amazing landscape."

Throughout her career, Carey has focused on building relationships, connecting with communities, and partnering with others in the shared stewardship of public lands. She said she is thrilled to be a part of the Lolo team and to work with district staff, the forest leadership team and external partners to accomplish the important work of restoration and resource management on the Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger District and across the forest.

Eric Tomasik was selected as the Ranger for the Ninemile Ranger District. Tomasik is currently working in a 120 day detail assignment as the Deputy Director for Renewable Resources in the Forest Service's Northern Region office in Missoula.

Tomasik has worked in the Northern Region's regional office in a number of positions in addition to Forest Service work in Alaska, Utah, New Mexico, and Montana on fire and trail crews, as a biological technician, wildlife biologist, regional program lead, national Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Liaison, and acting District Ranger. He has a B.S. in biology from Montana State University and a M.S. in biology from Idaho State University. He grew up in Montana and enjoys a broad suite of outdoor activities with his family. Eric said he is looking forward to engaging with the public, communities, and partners of the Ninemile area, as well as getting work done with the district and Lolo National Forest staff.

"Ninemile is a special place that we've enjoyed for many years," Tomasik said. "Being the District Ranger there is a privilege and I can't wait to get started."