Media Contact: Region 5 Media Desk SM.FS.MediaDeskR5@usda.gov

VALLEJO, Calif., March 28, 2025—USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz today announced Jason Kuiken will serve as acting regional forester for the Pacific Southwest Region, effective March 31, 2025. Kuiken will temporarily succeed Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien as she retires after almost 33 years of service.

“I would like to thank Jen for the work she’s done to consistently improve forest health across the national forests in California and beyond. She will be missed by the many partners and employees of our agency,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.

As acting regional forester, Kuiken will oversee management of 18 national forests in California, encompassing over 20 million acres.  The region also includes Hawaii and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands. National forests supply 60% of the water in California and form the watershed of most major aqueducts and more than 2,400 reservoirs throughout the state.

“Jason’s understanding of the importance of field work and collaboration with state and local decision-makers perfectly positions him to serve in this leadership role for the Pacific Southwest Region. As the agency focuses on safety, active forest management, fire management and recreation, he will work with our partners to advance the agency’s mission critical work,” said Chief Schultz.

Kuiken began his career in 2004 with the USDA Office of Budget and Program Analysis. Since then, he has served as District Ranger on the Chippewa National Forest, Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and Forest Supervisor on the Stanislaus National Forest since 2017.

Kuiken has led innovative approaches to reducing fire risk by engaging partners, the public, researchers and employees. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from Columbia University.

“Over the past seven years, I have seen communities and partners in California working together to find pathways that will lead to greater resiliency,” said Kuiken. “It’s my honor to continue to be a part of this, just now in a different role. Through local and state government engagement, combined with engaged partners, we can continue to support rural and urban economies and further reduce risk of wildland fire.”

For more information about the Pacific Southwest Region, Forest Service visit www.fs.usda.gov/R5.