Flathead Nat’l Forest Names New Supt.

Kalispell, MT, November 20, 2023 — The  new year will bring new leadership for Flathead National Forest. Anthony Botello has been named Forest Supervisor, with an anticipated start date is December 31. Botello has been the Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in northeast Oregon since April of 2020.

 “I am honored to be joining the Flathead National Forest and the Northern Region!, Botello told his new team. "The thought of helping steward the world class resources and landscapes on the Flathead and working with community and Tribal partners here is incredibly exciting.  My family and I are eager to get to the Flathead Valley and join the Forest and the community!”

Botello  began his Forest Service career in 1988 on the Sierra National Forest. While he has spent the majority of his time with the Forest Service in central Idaho, he has also held positions in California, Oregon, Utah, and Montana.  Anthony has been in leadership roles for almost half of his 35-year career.

He began his career as a Wilderness Ranger and soon became a backcountry Animal Packer on the Rogue River National Forest. He was a Snow Ranger and permit administrator that led to being a part of a Forest Service Incident Management Team that hosted the 2002 Olympic Winter Games at Snowbasin Resort. He also spent several years as an active firefighter, experienced sawyer, helicopter crew member, and wildland fire crew boss.

Botello graduated from California State University, Chico with a BS in Natural Resources Management – Recreation Management, where he met his wife, Alexandra.

In his spare time, Botello enjoys playing baseball, coaching, and officiating hockey, baseball, and softball.  He looks forward to exploring Northwest Montana’s hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities.