Glossa named new staff officer on the Nez Perce Forest

The Nez Perce National Forest recently welcomed Melany Glossa to her new position of Ecosystem/Planning Staff Officer.

Her effective date was March 22 and she is stationed at the Supervisor's Office. Glossa has a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Timber Management from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and a Masters of Science in Forest Policy from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR.

She spent a few years working as a researcher with oak regeneration in Indiana and a couple of years researching public forestry education in Oregon. Glossa has worked as a wildlife biologist and game warden for the State of Missouri. She also taught forest modeling and economics classes at Colorado State. She worked for the Department of Defense doing environmental documents for U.S. Army Pacific (Hawaii & Alaska) and Army National Guard in Wyoming.

Glossa started her career with the Forest Service as a NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Coordinator on the White River National Forest in Glenwood Springs, CO. She then transitioned into being the Forest Planner there - finishing up the Revised Forest Plan and the appeals process for that effort. Following that, she was selected for the Ecosystem/Planning Staff Officer on the Nez Perce Forest.

The Glossa family found a place in Grangeville with a lovely view of the Camas Prairie. The family consists of her husband, John, 20-month-old daughter, Bella, two dogs of no particular breed and two overweight cats (the Family Circus).

Glossas are avid hikers. They are looking forward to exploring Idaho's beautiful backcountry. They also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Melany Glossa shared, "My aspirations here on the Nez Perce really revolve around building successful relationships with our varied publics. This forest spans the gamut from having very strong ties with local communities to generating intense interest on a national level. I hope to see us be able to strengthen the old and create new relationships in order to implement our vision for the Nez Perce. This is a wonderful time to be part of the Nez Perce National Forest."

Photo: Melany Glossa, new Ecosystem/Planning Staff Officer on the Nez Perce National Forest (Photo courtesy of Nez Perce National Forest)