The Lassen National Forest welcomes new Forest Supervisor, Rick Hopson. Rick joins the Lassen National Forest after serving as Deputy Director of the Ecosystem Management staff within the Pacific Southwest Region of the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
Prior to being Deputy Director, Rick worked as a District Ranger on the Eldorado National Forest, Regional Hydrologist in the Intermountain Region, and in various hydrologist roles across the Pacific Southwest Region, including the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. In 2020 Rick served as the Acting Director of Grants and Agreements, in 2023 as Acting Director of Ecosystem Management, and last winter as Acting Forest Supervisor on the Plumas National Forest.
“I am honored to serve the American public, as the Lassen National Forest’s new supervisor,” said Rick Hopson. “In my twenty-eight years of public service, I have learned to value partners, local and tribal governments, interested parties and others to help guide and implement the work we do. It is my belief that through thoughtful active forest management we can promote healthy and fire resilient forests, while protecting the cultural, tribal and natural resources on Lassen National Forest lands.”
Rick has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science degree in Forest Hydrology from Oregon State University.
“I look forward to learning more about my new community, and how I can become involved to continue to build relationships and support our partnerships for the critical work we do together,” said Rick. “Along with the hardworking and dedicated staff here on the Lassen National Forest, I offer to you my commitment to serve to the best of my ability the communities and public that rely on our sustainable, multi-use management of these public lands.”
