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The Chippewa National Forest has named the new Deer River District Ranger. Jason Kuiken begins his new job on the Deer River Ranger District on February 13, 2011. He currently serves as a member of the Rocky Mountain Regional Response Team, developing a regional recreation action plan.

Kuiken has worked in the Rocky Mountain Regional Budget Office developing annual Program Direction, and has detailed as a District Ranger and budget officer on the Pike San Isabel National Forest in Colorado.

Prior to working in Region 2, Kuiken was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, working as a budget liaison between the Washington Office and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).[[In-content Ad]]

He grew up in Wausau, Wis., graduated from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and also earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Columbia University. "I look forward to exploring northern Minnesota with my wife and young son." noted Kuiken.

Matt St. Pierre will remain the Acting Deer River District Ranger until February. He is a Wildlife Planning Ecologist on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest out of Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

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