State forester is appointed

Utah's new state forester is Dick Buehler, a long-time employee of the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands.

Now, as head of the division, Buehler will be responsible for overseeing Utah's sovereign lands, wildlife fire protection on state and private land, urban and community forestry, and for managing the Lone Peak Conservation Center, according to the division.

Sovereign land is state property that is not set aside for the benefit of schools, the way state trust lands are designated to provide money for schools. The designation usually applies to the beds of lakes and streams within the state — for example, the bed of Utah Lake.

On Monday, Mike Styler, executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, appointed Buehler to the post. Buehler recently served as deputy director, then took over as interim director after the previous division chief, Joel Frandsen, retired in March.

Buehler "has a background in forestry," Styler told the Deseret Morning News. "He also has a background in law enforcement and managing sovereign lands" and has a great deal of experience in firefighting.

The division encompasses responsibilities in firefighting, land management and law enforcement, Styler added, and "he has expertise in all three."

An interviewing committee passed information about applicants to Styler, he said. "I concurred with them that he was the best qualified."

He described Buehler as very excited about the position and said he "has a great desire to get in and really take the division a step forward."

According to Styler, the new director may make some changes in direction. The fact that a new person is in charge means "there will be some management changes," he said.

"I think he is committed to taking into account the employees and using their expertise to implement new, innovative ideas; be more efficient, and to work with our state and federal partners," Styler said.

Buehler is well-versed in local issues such as coordinating firefighting efforts with other agencies, he added.

The department's press release announcing the appointment quoted Buehler as saying, "My first priorities will be in the areas of working with our very qualified and committed staff to strengthen the team effort in providing quality service to our customers.

He has worked as a state park boating ranger, hazardous materials instructor and law enforcement coordinator. He is also a reserve deputy sheriff.

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com