RGNF welcomes Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor Jones 

MONTE VISTA — Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas announced that Andrea Jones began serving Monday, Aug. 2, as the Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Rio Grande National Forest. Jones will serve her four-month temporary assignment in Monte Vista, Colorado as the third Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor since Tom Malecek’s December 2019 retirement. 

Jones elevates to the post from her position as the Conejos Peak District Ranger where she has served since 2012. Prior to that appointment she served as the Wildlife Biologist on the Conejos Peak Ranger District and as a Rangeland Management Specialist on the Canjilon Ranger District of the Carson National Forest. 

“I look forward to serving the Rio Grande National Forest and the surrounding communities in this new capacity. I have great respect for our partners and forest users in the San Luis Valley and value our strong relationships with the communities we serve,” said Jones. “I am excited to be shifting the focus of my work with the Forest to a broader scale and supporting our employees in this new role.” 

Before her employment with the Forest Service, Andrea held short term positions with the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at New Mexico State University (NMSU), served as a Teaching Assistant for NMSU and worked for the Cooperative Extension Service at NMSU. 

“We are fortunate to have Andrea’s local experience as she assumes this critical leadership role,” said Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas, who appointed Jones. “Her local knowledge provides an excellent foundation as she tackles the daily challenges at a new level.” 

Jones lives near Antonito with her family where they frequently enjoy hunting, fishing and recreating in the forest.  

The forest is in the process of permanently filling the Deputy Forest Supervisor position as well as filling a temporary assignment to the Conejos Peak District Ranger position.