Allegheny National Forest Supervisor Sherry Tune today announced her retirement after a 40-year career with the USDA Forest Service.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to have worked in such a special place, alongside the dedicated employees of the Allegheny National Forest and with our many partners who have contributed their time and energy to this forest,” said Tune. “I can think of no better place to conclude my Forest Service career than right here on the Allegheny National Forest.”
Tune’s 40-year career is characterized by her climb from a clerk-typist in 1978 to a firefighter, District Ranger and finally to Forest Supervisor, first on the Mendocino National Forest in California and followed by the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania.
While serving as Forest Supervisor, Tune built strong and lasting partnerships to improve the health of the forest. Some of her key accomplishments include initiating the Allegheny Forest Health Collaborative; participating on the Governor’s Green Ribbon Task Force which led to the Good Neighbor Agreement with the State; partnering with the EPA, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association to improve stewardship at well sites; partnering with the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry in establishing the Mountain Bike Trails at Jakes Rocks; collaborating with the Seneca Nation of Indians to preserve cultural sites; working with Pennsylvania Wilds and the Warren County Visitors Bureau to improve recreation opportunities; engaging with Allegheny Hardwoods Utilization Group in identifying and addressing issues of timber management; and being involved in the Warren County Marketing Task Force.
“To all those who gave their hard work, support, partnership, and friendship during my tenure as Forest Supervisor,” Tune said, “I thank you for your invaluable contribution to the stewardship of our Allegheny National Forest.”
As the Forest Service works to permanently fill this vacancy, the Allegheny National Forest will continue to be supervised by current acting Forest Supervisor, Chris Cook, and subsequent qualified and capable acting Forest Supervisors as needed. Hiring of a permanent Forest Supervisor is expected by late winter.