The U.S. Department of Agriculture has selected Abigail Kimbell as the 16th chief of the Forest Service. Kimbell succeeds Chief Dale Bosworth, who is retiring on Feb. 2 after 41 years with the Forest Service.

"Abigail Kimbell is a veteran of the Forest Service who began as a seasonal worker and has since filled an impressive series of field assignments," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in a statement. "Gail brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. She is well-respected both within the agency and by our stakeholders. I'm confident she will do a terrific job as chief.

"I am grateful to Dale Bosworth for his 41 years of public service and especially for the tremendous leadership he provided during his six years as chief," Johanns continued. "I am struck by all that the Forest Service accomplished under his watch, from advancing the Healthy Forest Initiative to a four-fold increase in fuels treatment work. He also bolstered the agency's financial system, making it a source of pride governmentwide…."

Kimbell currently serves as regional forester for the Northern Region in Missoula, Mont., which includes northern Idaho and North Dakota. As Forest Service Chief, Kimbell will oversee an organization of more than 30,000 employees and a budget of just over $4 billion. Before becoming regional forester, Kimbell served in the Washington Office as Associate Deputy Chief for the National Forest System, with responsibility for assisting in the development of the Healthy Forest Restoration.