National Forest announces new Medford-Park Falls district ranger

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest announced that Dan Eklund is the new district ranger for the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. Eklund had been serving in an acting role since June and assumed the permanent position this week.

“Dan has an extensive background in all aspects of program management from his 19 years with the forest,” said Forest Supervisor Paul Strong. “His broad and diverse professional experience reflects a collaborative approach to land management.”

As the forest’s wildlife biologist, Eklund helped manage the forest for sustainable mixed uses to meet the diverse needs of people and ensure the health of natural resources. He has worked with state, tribal and other partners to address cross-boundary challenges and opportunities.

Eklund was instrumental in the forest’s recent translocation of 160 sharptailed grouse to the Moquah Barrens in Bayfield County. Through multi-year Lake Superior Landscape Restoration Project, he worked with volunteers, partners and private landowners who worked to trap grouse for release in the Barrens.

Eklund has previously served as acting district ranger for the Great Divide, Eagle River-Florence and Washburn ranger districts. He’s also completed other temporary leadership assignments on the local forest and with the U.S. Forest Service Eastern Region based in Milwaukee. Prior to working for the Forest Service, he worked for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Minnesota.