Meet a Forester, Liz Berger
This month, we are pleased to feature Liz Berger, Acting Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region.
What was your first position in the field of forestry?
My first temporary position was a Forest Service student intern, focused on environmental outreach, education, and bears. My first permanent position was as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management.
How long have you been in your role?
I have been Acting Regional Forester for seven months and I have been in my permanent Deputy Regional Forester position in the Pacific Southwest Region for two years.
What do you enjoy most about being a Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) member?
I enjoy connecting with the members and learning from what others are doing in their states.
What do you see to be the emerging issues in your region?
I see our response to the effects of climate change in the Pacific Northwest as both an ongoing and emerging issue. We have the opportunity and challenge to address wildfire risk and create healthy resilient forests and watersheds. At the same time, we need the workforce in the forestry sector and other areas to do this work and the infrastructure in place to address the need.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
I would have to say hiking or rock climbing, although I have too many outdoor hobbies to really pick a favorite!