Lincoln County can say hello to Heidi McRoberts, the new Kootenai National Forest Deputy Forest Supervisor.

McRoberts, who started in January, is the first permanent Deputy Forest Supervisor the Kootenai has had.

McRoberts was born and raised on a farm in northcentral Idaho. She has personal connections to rural economies and a desire to maintain healthy, productive forests that support local communities.

McRoberts holds a Master’s Degree in Fisheries Resources and is finishing her dissertation for her PhD in Natural Resources, both from the University of Idaho.

Recently, McRoberts was the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Umatilla National Forest in Pendleton, Oregon. Previously, she was also the Fisheries Biologist on the Forest Plan Revision Team on the Nez-Perce Clearwater National Forests.

McRoberts spent 22 years working for the Nez Perce Tribe, including 10 years as the Deputy Director for the Department of Fisheries Resource Management/Watershed Division.

In her free time, McRoberts enjoys spending time with her partner Kevin and two daughters, Lydia and Sydney. McRoberts' hobbies include attending sporting events, hiking, quilting and traveling.

McRoberts officially started her position on Jan. 30.

Chad Benson, forest supervisor, says he is excited to have Mcroberts join the team and looking forward to utilizing her expertise and experience that she brings to the job.