The Mark Twain National Forest — which has a district office in Houston — has a new forest supervisor.
Vinci Keeler has been named to the post.
The 1.5 million acres comprising the forest are spread across central and southern Missouri. It has district offices in Ava, Houston, Doniphan, Poplar Bluff, Potosi and Salem; and the forest supervisor oversees operations from the primary office in Rolla.
Many people visit the forest throughout the year to enjoy river recreation, hiking its exceptional trails, hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. Maintaining the natural beauty of the land through ecological restoration, along with providing excellent recreation facilities, are important challenges that forest employees work toward every day, according to a press release.
Keeler sees his role as providing the leadership to ensure that it’s accomplished effectively while working with the diverse group of communities and partners that care about and help care for this land.
“I’m excited and honored to be given this opportunity to provide continued leadership on the Mark Twain National Forest, a forest known for its excellent pine-oak woodlands habitat, Karst ecology and wonderful Ozark landscapes,” said Keeler.
Keeler came to the Mark Twain from the White Mountain National Forest that covers New Hampshire and Maine, where he had served as the deputy forest supervisor since 2022. He has served in many roles with the U.S. Forest Service since he started in 2001. Over the years, he has gained experience in building resilient ecosystems, managing natural resources, collaborating with communities and building partnerships in those roles. He also has served as a deputy district ranger on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. In 2018, Vinci rejoined the USFS and was named the district ranger on the Chickasawhay Ranger District in the national forests in Mississippi.
“As someone who likes to continuously learn and work with others in regards to natural resources, I want to share what I know as I guide others in continuing their great work on the forest; and I’m looking forward to learning even more as I get started in this role,” Keeler said.
Aside from the U.S. Forest Service, Keeler also has experience working for a nonprofit organization as director of sustainable forestry. He received his bachelor’s degree in environmental science/natural resource management at Tuskegee University.
Outside of work, he loves to travel and spend time with his family, who will be moving with him to Rolla.