Kit Mullen named Interim Inyo Forest Supervisor

U.S. Forest Service Regional Forester Randy Moore announced Thursday that Kit Mullen will take over as Interim/Acting Forest Supervisor for the Inyo National Forest, in light of the scheduled departure of INF’s previous supervisor, Jim Upchurch. Mullen is currently the District Ranger for the Hat Creek District of the Lassen National Forest in Northern California.

In a media statement, Moore said Mullen brings “a wealth of experience and background that will serve her well in this temporary assignment.” A Colorado State University graduate with a degree in Wildlife Biology, Mullen spent many years in a variety of jobs in the private sector, including working on a cattle and horse ranch, as an instructor at Colorado Mountain College, as a guide for snowmobile tours and big game hunting, and as director of the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage. She also lived for many years in Solo Creek in the Alaska bush, during which time she built her own log cabin, ran a team of sled dogs, maintained all her own equipment, and basically lived a subsistence lifestyle with a high dependence on wild, renewable resources.

She began her federal service career with the National Park Service, working at such iconic national parks as Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska and Grand Teton in Wyoming. She then spent eight years as the Park Superintendent of Timpanogos Cave National Monument in Utah, prior to her taking her most recent posting at Hat Creek.

Mullen said she’s spent her life exploring the great outdoors and loves traveling, hiking, boating, Nordic skiing and fly-fishing. “I am delighted to be here,” Mullen stated. “I look forward to getting to know the people who call this incredible area home, as well as those who come to visit and revitalize their spirit. The Inyo [National Forest] is a dynamic place with a stunning landscape. I’m honored to have the opportunity to help care for it.”

Moore said it’s anticipated that Mullen will serve as Acting Forest Supervisor until a permanent replacement for Upchurch is announced.  –USFS