Berklund appointed as new chief state forester at DNR
Heather Berklund was appointed as the Wisconsin DNR’s new chief state forester, by the department’s secretary Preston Cole, Oct. 12.
“She brings years of on-the-ground Wisconsin forest management and fire control experience to this position,” said Cole. “As the first woman in Wisconsin’s history to hold this role, I know she will bring diverse perspectives to the table in her work.”
Berklund began her forestry career with the Wisconsin DNR in 2000, serving as a field forester in Merrill, Crandon and Mercer for more than a decade, before becoming the Ashland-Iron team leader, then the Woodruff area leader in 2016.
In her role as the deputy division administrator of field operations for the past three years, Berklund led the public and private lands programs, Good Neighbor Authority partnership coordination, forest certification, tax law and fire protection programs.
In addition to her field experience and leadership skills, Cole said Berklund brings strong communication, collaboration and partnership building skills to her new position, along with a broad knowledge of Wisconsin forestry programs and policies.
Berklund earned a bachelor’s of science in forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and has continued her education through forestry short-courses in Germany and Mexico. She participated in the 2019 Women in Government leadership academy and received the Division of Forestry 2014 Supervisor of the Year Award.
Berklund is familiar with forests throughout the state. While the bulk of her career has been in the Northwoods, where she currently resides, she grew up in the Boscobel and Reedsburg areas, exploring the hills and river bottoms in the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin. She still enjoys spending time hunting and picking morel mushrooms there on her parents’ 120 acres.
When she’s not working to build relationships with partners and staff, Berklund is engaged and volunteering in her children’s school, and extracurricular activities. She and her husband, Bryce, enjoy biking, cross country skiing and other outdoor activities.
Berklund said she is honored to have been selected to lead the division of forestry, and is committed to continuing to build relationships and collaborate with partners on the sustainable management of Wisconsin’s forests.
“I look forward to leading the division of forestry on a successful path, as we adapt to changes in the climate and cultural needs,” said Berklund. “The state forestry program has a long history of innovative, well-respected state foresters. I hope to continue this legacy moving forward, by showcasing the value that forestry brings to both our state, and nation.”
