New Bend-Fort Rock District ranger named

Deschutes National Forest Supervisor John Allen announced Thursday a new district ranger for the Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District.

Kevin Larkin, currently a deputy district ranger for North Kaibab Ranger District on the Kaibab National Forest in Arizona, will begin his duties on the Deschutes National Forest on Monday, July 16.

He will replace Shane Jeffries, who was promoted to deputy forest supervisor for the Deschutes National Forest.

“Kevin brings great recreation and resource management experience with him that fits the responsibilities of the Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District. I look forward to adding his leadership to the Forest,” said Allen.

Larkin began his career with the Forest Service in 2003 as a recreation and wilderness program lead on the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire and Maine. He moved to the Kaibab National Forest in 2007 as the recreation and lands staff officer and was promoted to his current position in 2010.

During his career, he also served on the faculty of Virginia Tech’s Department of Forestry and worked for the Arizona State Parks Department.

He received a B.S. degree in Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin in 1995 and a M.S. in Recreation Management from Arizona State University in 1998.

“I am fortunate to have this opportunity to work in such a unique and varied landscape and with the many groups and individuals in Central Oregon who care deeply for our public lands,” said Larkin.

Larkin will move to Bend with his wife Heidi Hase, his dog and two cats. He anticipates enjoying backpacking, snowshoeing and fishing in Central Oregon’s four season environment.