Breaking News: Forest Service welcomes permanent District Ranger

The new permanent District Ranger for the Kern River Ranger District is Nancy Chapman. She came down from DC service, to introduce herself to the Kern Valley, during the Ground Breaking of the Isabella Lake Visitor Center, May 28.

Chapman told the public that she hopes to be the face of service and land stewardship in partnership with Kern Valley community.

"These lands are not only places of natural beauty. They're the foundation of opportunity. They draw visitors and support jobs. They sustain our businesses across the region," she said.

Chapman noted that the Forest Service is ingrained across America in rural communities like Kern Valley and its neighbors. She said of the new Isabella Lake Visitor Center, "This building represents a long term investment in our presence and engagement with the people we serve."

The resources of the Visitor Center are going to support the livelihood and way of life for the community. On average the old Visitor Center provided services to more than 11,000 people annually. "Given this amazing new location, for our new center, on the most prominent corner in Lake Isabella, we anticipate serving even more people," she said.

According to Chapman the Isabella Lake Visitor Center will share directions to scenic wonders, and share information about recreation opportunities, and use of public lands. The Forest Service will be keeping the public safe on the river, in the forest and the wilderness, and on federal partner's lands. The Visitor Center will also educate the public about fire and landscaping keeping the public safe.

"I want to thank our community members, federal colleagues, and local leaders who made today possible through many years of hard work," she said.

Chapman said this community deserves congratulations for it being nationally recognized as a leader for its strong and broad partnerships. These partnerships would be essential in the success of reaching the goals of the valley, creating new opportunities for economic development, and meeting the needs of future generations. "We look forward to opening our doors," she said.

Chapman told the Kern Valley Sun, "I feel so welcome. You know there's so much we can do together as a community. If I have a platform, that's what it is; it's to take that great success of community, that has been built in these amazing partnerships, and make it even more."

Chapman had a choice between three other locations, to work at, and yet she jumped at the chance to come serve at Kern River. She is relocating to the Kern Valley from DC. She was available full time, as of the prior week, and will land here permanently, on August 1. She is already available permanently by phone and for fires.