LA JARA — The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) announced today that Jeremiah Martinez will begin serving today as the acting District Ranger on the Conejos Peak Ranger District based out of La Jara. A San Luis Valley native, Martinez normally serves as the Recreation Staff Lead out of the Conejos Peak District, where he has worked for the past 13 years.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the staff, our partners and communities in this new role,” said Martinez.

Prior to working for the Forest Service, he served 6 years as a Natural Resources Specialist for the La Jara Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management.

“We are pleased to have Jeremiah join us on the RGNF Leadership Team,” said Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor, Dan Dallas, who appointed Martinez. “Jeremiah’s extensive knowledge of and commitment to the local communities and natural resources make him a great choice to lead the Conejos Peak District.”

Martinez will serve in a four-month appointment behind District Ranger Andrea Jones, who is on a temporary assignment as the Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Carson National Forest.

In his free time, Martinez enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, and caring for his chickens, dogs, and racing homing pigeons, at his home in Conejos County.