Colorado State Forest Service Fire Management Building Dedicated to Distinguished State Forester
Note to Reporters: The Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado State University will dedicate the new CSFS Fire Management Building to former State Forester Jim Hubbard at a 10:30 a.m. ceremony on Monday, May 23. State Rep. Randy Fischer, CSU President Tony Frank and other dignitaries will offer remarks during the ceremony at 3843 LaPorte Avenue on CSU’s Foothills Campus.
State Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins), Colorado State University President Tony Frank, State Forester Jeff Jahnke and other CSU and Colorado State Forest Service officials will formally dedicate the new CSFS Fire Management building to former State Forester Jim Hubbard at a ceremony next week.
Hubbard, who now serves as the U.S. Forest Service Deputy Chief for State and Private Forestry, culminated a 35-year career with the CSFS by leading the agency as Colorado State Forester from 1984-2004. Under his leadership, the CSFS strengthened its reputation as one of the premier state forestry organizations in the country, and gained a national reputation for exemplary leadership in wildland fire management.
“Jim Hubbard’s visionary leadership, tireless professionalism, and unfailing commitment to the health of our nation’s forests have made him one of the most influential and important voices in U.S. forest management over the past three decades,” said CSU President Tony Frank. “We are honoring his national service and leadership with this dedication, but we are also honoring him as an extraordinary colleague, alumnus and friend who dedicated a significant part of his career to advancing the Colorado State Forest Service as an agency that sets the standard nationwide and is recognized today as vital to Colorado’s economy and future.”
“Jim Hubbard is one of Colorado State University’s most distinguished and accomplished alumni. Throughout his career, he has led Colorado and the nation in developing state-of-the-art forestry, fire and private land management programs and policies,” said Joyce Berry, dean of the CSU Warner College of Natural Resources.
Hubbard is a 1969 graduate and CSU Honor alumnus. Hubbard also has achieved numerous other forestry accomplishments, including:
- Drafting the National Fire Plan in 2003, which laid the groundwork for a collaborative approach to reducing wildland fire risks to communities.
- Serving as president of the National Association of State Foresters.
- Serving as chair for the Governor’s Conference on Forest Health and the Governor’s Task Force on the Wildland-Urban Interface.
- Acting as the U.S. Department of the Interior Director of the Office of Wildland Fire Coordination.
- Operating on an elite Type 1 national Incident Management Team.
- Serving as chairman of the board for the non-profit organization American Forests.
“Jim Hubbard is a visionary whose commitment to collaboration, public service and diplomacy in establishing forest and wildland fire management policy is unparalleled,” said current State Forester and CSFS Director Jahnke. “Naming the new CSFS Fire Division building after him is a small but symbolic way to recognize his tremendous contributions to the agency, the university and the citizens of Colorado.”
“Colorado is my home. That makes this dedication even more special. Every Coloradan enjoys the bounty of exceptional natural resources. I had the privilege of working with those who protect our forests and make this state a special place to live,” Hubbard said.
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