Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Announces State Forester Leadership Transition
Carson City, Nev. – Today, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the departure of Kacey KC, State Forester Firewarden of the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF). KC, who has served NDF since 2002, will be leaving Nevada to head the Oregon Department of Forestry.
“Kacey has been an outstanding leader at NDF,” said James Settelmeyer, Director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “She and her team have worked tirelessly to protect Nevada’s landscapes and communities, strengthening our wildfire preparedness, forest health, and partnerships across the state. Because of her leadership, Nevada is in a strong position for the future. Her legacy will be seen not only in the programs she advanced, but in the people she mentored and the culture of excellence she fostered. Her expertise will be greatly missed at DCNR — but more importantly, we will miss her and the integrity and passion she brings to this work.”
KC began her career with NDF as a seasonal Conservation Aid at the Washoe State Tree Nursery and rose through the ranks to lead the Nevada Division of Forestry. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to proactive natural resource stewardship, active land management, strong inter-agency partnerships, and safe and effective wildfire response.
“Serving as Nevada’s State Forester Firewarden has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Kacey KC. “As I begin this new chapter, I leave knowing NDF is in capable hands. The team’s commitment to protecting Nevada’s landscapes and communities will continue to guide the important work ahead.”
Director Settelmeyer has appointed Ryan Shane to serve as Acting State Forester. Shane, a lifelong Nevadan, brings a strong understanding of the landscapes, communities, and economies that define the state, from rural rangelands to urban forests. He has more than two decades of experience in natural resource and wildfire management, focusing on wildfire risk reduction, forest stewardship planning, and wildland restoration. He also has experience in wildfire suppression and prescribed fire operations, earning multiple qualifications and serving on Complex Incident Management Teams.
Shane has served as NDF’s Deputy Administrator of Operations since 2021, overseeing agency operations in safety, training, conservation camps, natural resource management, and support services. He has also played a key role in implementing major legislative appropriations for wildfire risk reduction and wildland restoration, as well as advancing science-based regulatory modernization.
“I look forward to continuing the work Kacey has championed,” said Shane. “As Acting State Forester, I will maintain the forward momentum of the many initiatives currently underway. Nevadans can be reassured that NDF will remain at the forefront of all efforts to manage our natural resources and safely and effectively protect our lands from wildfires.”
Shane’s first day as Acting State Forester is February 23rd.