Paul Ries to leave SNRA

Area ranger Paul Ries reacts as Sawtooth National Forest supervisor Bill LeVere announces Ries’ new position in Ogden, Utah. (Express photo by Kathryn Beaumont)

After more than five years as area ranger for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Paul Ries on Friday accepted a new position in Ogden, Utah.

The lateral move to cooperative forestries specialist is not a promotion but is an important career move, said Sawtooth National Forest supervisor Bill LeVere.

"This will be a very high-profile job," said LeVere.

Ries’ new position will be in the Forest Service’s State and Private Branch. He will work with state foresters in the Northern and Intermountain Regions, including Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Ries’ move comes at a time when rumors of his departure have been circulating amidst criticism of the SNRA for mismanagement of funds and resources.

But both LeVere and Ries said that in no way is this a forced move.

"Granted there were some rumors running around, and if it was a forced move, I’d tell you," said LeVere. "There’s no doubt in my mind that people will say they’re responsible for Paul’s moving. There’s no one other than me who has the power to move Paul."

Ries pointed out that a big factor in his decision to move was the opportunity for his wife to continue working in the Forest Service as well.

Linda Ries is the current community forester for the SNRA. She accepted a position in the regional Office of Strategic Communications, doing public affairs and environmental education work, which is her background.

"When we had two opportunities, we thought long and hard about this," Paul said. "I’m not sure there’s ever a good time to leave, but it’s our choice."

Ries will leave in late November or early December. Ries said he still has some things to take care of, such as acquiring another easement and writing a second draft of the Historic Buildings Standards.

Ries said his biggest accomplishments were helping to organize the Sawtooth Society, a SNRA advocacy group, and reinstating a ranger in Stanley. During his tenure, Ries also helped formulate the recently adopted Wilderness Plan, as well as raising funds for the Harriman Trail.

"Paul’s really left a legacy here," said LeVere. "I hate to see him go. Paul’s my best ranger."

Ries said he has mixed emotions about leaving his position.

"In some respects working with a program more narrowly focused where I can be an expert is something I’ll look forward to," he said.

"On the other hand, we really like it here. It’s a great place to live. But I don’t care to spend the rest of my career here."

Ries did say, however, that he and Linda purchased a lot north of Hailey with the hopes to someday retire here.