Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has new leader

By Sun Advocate

The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) has a new leader.
The announcement was made by Utah Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Mike Styler.
“I am pleased to announce that Dick Buehler is the new Division Director and State Forester. Dick has been involved with fire management, forestmanagement and sovereign lands management for more than 33 years, and is highly qualified to serve in this role.”
Buehler was selected following a nationwide search. He had most recently been serving as interim director for FFSL, following the retirement of Director Joel Frandsen in March 2007. Prior to that, he was deputy director for the division.
“It is an honor to have been given this opportunity and I am very humbled,” said Buehler. “My first priorities will be in the areas of working with our very qualified and committed staff to strengthen the team effort in providing quality service to our customers. I will also work to strengthen efforts to protect and enhance our valuable natural resources, and provide strong support for the governor’s priorities of economic development and quality of life.”
In addition to numerous roles within FFSL, Buehler’s career includes employment as a state park boating ranger, hazardous materials instructor, law enforcement coordinator and reserve sheriff deputy. He also served in the Air Force and Air National Guard for 30 years.
He has a degree in forest management from Utah State University. Buehler was born in Utah and grew up in Heber City. He is married with two children and five grandchildren. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.
“I have a passion for the natural resources of our state and feel a strong sense of commitment to the people who use and enjoy them. I believe in multiple-use and sustained-yield management balanced with environmental awareness. I believe in public and private property rights and that both must be protected,” said Buehler. “I want to do what I can to make the Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands a successful public entity that capitalizes on the knowledge and skills of its employees as a committed and highly motivated team that administers its duties and responsibilities to the highest degree possible.”
FFSL oversees state sovereign lands, wildland fire protection on state and private lands, urban and community forestry, and the Lone Peak Conservation Center. The division manages all state-owned non-trust lands, state forestry and fire control programs, and derives optimum benefit from resources held in public trust.