Merv George, Jr., “Living with Fire:  How the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest is Handling Wildfires and Designing Fuel Reduction Projects to Keep Communities Safe”

Native American Studies Colloquium Series

May 15, 12:00-1:30pm

Many Nations Longhouse

University of Oregon

Merv George Jr. has been the Forest Supervisor on the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest (RRSNF) since May 2018.  Previously, he worked as the Forest Supervisor on the Six Rivers National Forest since August 2014, as acting Forest Supervisor on the Los Padres NF (2017) and the Lassen NF (2014).  Merv also served as the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Six Rivers NF (2011-2014).  Merv began his Forest Service career as the Regional Tribal Relations Program Manager in the Pacific Southwest Region (R5) from 2008 to 2011.

Prior to joining the US Forest Service, Merv served 15 years in various tribal government positions, including service on the Hoopa Valley Tribal Council and service as Tribal Chairman (1995-1999).  He is the former Executive Director of the California Indian Forest and Fire Management Council and the Klamath River Inter-Tribal Fish and Water Commission.  Both organizations are inter-tribal collaboratives protecting tribal sovereignty and tribal cultural resources.

Merv obtained his BA in Native American Studies from Humboldt State University in 1997 and is a graduate of the Indian Teacher Education and Personnel Program at Humboldt State.

When off duty, Merv enjoys hunting, fishing, jetboating on many Pacific Northwest rivers and is also a professional musician.  Merv is a cultural practitioner and participates in the many tribal ceremonies located in the Klamath/Trinity River basin.  Merv has 3 adult daughters and 1 adult son and is blessed with 2 grandchildren and one on the way.

NAS Colloquium Series talks are always free and open to the public