The new Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests supervisor’s office was completed in Kamiah in 2022. (Courtesy of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest)
Cheryl Probert’s journey in Idaho began 37 years ago when she relocated from Vermont to pursue her passion for wildlife management.
Her journey from growing up among Vermont’s lush forests, where she spent her time backpacking and hiking, to becoming a forest supervisor based out of Kamiah, has been defined by her dedication to the land and the local communities.
For nearly a decade, Probert led the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest as forest supervisor, steering significant projects and fostering crucial partnerships. During her time in Kamiah, she helped reinvigorate the vegetation management program, initiate an aggressive program to reduce wildfire risk, build a conservation education program, and implement an “historic routes” initiative to connect visitors to the forest’s history, according to a press release from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.
Probert retired after working in forests for 37 years, and her retirement took effect June 28, according to the release.
One of Probert’s proudest achievements was her collaborative work with the Nez Perce Tribe and local communities.
“We used Good Neighbor Authority and other agreements to address the wildfire crisis and improve aquatic conditions,” she told the Idaho Capital Sun. “Working with the Nez Perce Tribe on co-stewardship in their ancestral homelands has been really important and rewarding.”
During her time as forest supervisor, she said she helped the Nez Perce Tribe secure $25 million in agreements for cultural knowledge and restoration activities, and the increase in ground treatments through prescribed fire and timber harvest, which have significantly benefited rural communities.
Reflecting on her career, Probert noted her key achievements.
Former forest supervisor Cheryl Probert and Smokey Bear are shown in the image above. (Courtesy of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest)
“We issued a draft decision for the forest plan revision, setting the stage for the next 20 to 30 years,” she said. “It was a decade-long effort to ensure public and governmental input was reflected.”
Probert said modern forest science helped guide her in her role.
“We are experiencing conditions different than ever before, so using the best available science, tribal cultural knowledge, and being flexible is really important,” she said.
Zach Peterson, a colleague and public and government relations staff officer for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, recalled their early days working together.
“Cheryl started as the forest supervisor in November 2014, and I began my role about a month later,” Peterson told the Sun.“We were both new and learning the forest together. Her guidance was great, and it was wonderful to see her evolve in her role as forest supervisor.”
Probert’s ability to balance numerous complex tasks has been one of her standout qualities, he said.
“Her ability to juggle multiple tasks at a high level and dive into the details on so many topics was remarkable,” Peterson said. “The agency will definitely miss that. She understood Forest Service policies. What truly set her apart was her deep passion for people and communities. Everything she did was tied to how it would affect the people and communities around the forest.”
Under Probert’s leadership, the forest plan revision made significant progress, laying the groundwork for future forest management, he said. Peterson, who worked closely with her on this project, appreciated her mentorship.
“Cheryl had been a forest planner earlier in her career, and her experience was incredibly valuable,” he said. “She set a vision for the forest that will benefit it for years to come.”
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