Lassen National Forest announced today that Merv George, Jr., has temporarily assumed the position of Forest Supervisor.
George will remain in this acting role until early May, when a permanent replacement will be hired to succeed former Forest Supervisor Jerry Bird, who recently retired.
“I feel blessed and fortunate to be given the opportunity to work on the Lassen National Forest,” said George. “I look forward to working with the local communities and the employees of the Forest for the next several months.”
Born and raised in Humboldt County, George has been a lifelong resident of the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation and the Eureka area. George graduated in 1997 from Humboldt State University with a degree in Native American Studies.
He has spent more than 20 years in public service, including 15 years working with various tribal governments across California. George also served four years on the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council and spent two years as its Tribal Chairman.
Prior to joining the Forest Service, George was the Executive Director of the California Indian Forest and Fire Management Council and also served as the Administrator for the Klamath River Inter-Tribal Fish & Water Commission.
George has served with the Forest Service since 2008 at both the regional and forest levels. His first assignment was as the Regional Tribal Relations Program Manager from 2008-2011. His next and current permanent assignment began in 2011, taking him back to his home area, as the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Six Rivers National Forest.
George and his wife Wendy have four children: Pateisha, 22; Deja, 18; Merv III, 16; and Evelyn, 14. According to the Forest Service’s announcement George enjoys hunting, boating, and playing the drums in his father’s rock band.
