The Kansas Forest Service, located in Manhattan, has announced Jason Hartman as its new state forester for the agency.
Hartman, the agency’s assistant fire management officer for the past 15 years, takes over the position Dec. 29. He’ll replace Larry Biles who has been in the role since 2008, and is retiring after four decades in forestry.
The Kansas Forest Service serves the public with conservation tree and shrub planting, fire management, community forestry, rural forestry, marketing and utilization and forest health.
Hartman will lead a staff of 30 employees in the agency’s headquarters at Kansas State University. His past experience includes educating the public about wildlife hazards through Smokey Bear and Firewise USA, which is sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association.
