Allen retiring as Deschutes National Forest supervisor

After 40 years of public service with the U.S. Forest Service, Deschutes National Forest Supervisor John Allen will retire this month, officials said Friday.

Allen, who has been the Forest Supervisor for the Deschutes National Forest since 2007, will retire on Friday, June 21.

During his time on the Deschutes National Forest, Allen forwarded a vision to develop two non-profits – Discover Your Forest and the Central Oregon Children’s Forest.

These two non-profits provide interpretive, volunteer management, conservation education and community services to the public that enhance the public’s experience of Central Oregon public lands. Prior to their creation the Deschutes National Forest alone could not provide all these public services.

In addition, Allen significantly contributed to the development of the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Project and Deschutes Trails Coalition where members of diverse interests work together to provide input to the management of the Deschutes National Forest. Allen is known for his focus not only on the management of national forest lands but also for his belief in the power of relationships, partnerships and collaboration.

During his period as Forest Supervisor, the Deschutes National Forest constructed the new Ranger District and Forest Supervisor’s office in Bend, the new Welcome Station along the Cascades Lakes Scenic Byway, the new Crescent Ranger District office and new Central Oregon Interagency Dispatch Center to enhance services to the community as well as reduce overall costs to the taxpayers.

” I was blessed to work with wonderful Forest Service employees, community leaders and partners within a forest landscape that is inspiring, ” said Allen about his retirement.

Prior to his time in Central Oregon, Allen was a Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Gallatin National Forest in Montana and a District Ranger for the McKenzie Ranger District on the Willamette National Forest. He also worked in a variety of forestry positions on the Umpqua and Fremont-Winema National Forests in Oregon.

Following his retirement, Allen and his family plan to stay and enjoy Central Oregon’s skiing, fishing and hiking as well as travel beyond Oregon.