Rachel C. Smith Named as New Director for Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

ARCADIA, CA -- Rachel C. Smith has been named the new deputy forest supervisor for the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, authorities said Monday.

Smith, who had been serving as acting deputy forest supervisor since 2015, will share management duties with Forest Supervisor Jeffrey Vail, said Nathan Judy of the U.S. Forest Service.

"The Forest/Monument ... is one of the most highly urbanized forests in the nation, providing 70 percent of the open space for millions of visitors," Judy said.

Smith previously worked as deputy regional fire director of the Southern Region, a 13-state region stretching from Texas to Virginia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 2011, Smith completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Policy and Management at the University of California at Berkeley.

"I am excited about the challenges that await me in this new position," Smith said. "This is known as one of the most complex and inspiring places to work in the country. Having the opportunity to serve here is an honor."

-- City News Service, photo via Geographer at en.wikipedia