GRANTS, NM — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has welcomed Heidi McRoberts as its new Forest Supervisor. McRoberts steps into the role following Steven Hattenbach's departure to serve as Deputy Regional Forester for the Southwestern Region.
McRoberts brings a wealth of experience from her previous position as Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Kootenai National Forest, which spans northwest Montana and northeast Idaho. She managed 2.2 million acres of National Forest System Lands there, demonstrating her capability in overseeing large and diverse forested areas.
In addition to her federal experience, McRoberts spent 22 years working with the Nez Perce Tribe, including a decade as Deputy Director for the Department of Fisheries Resource Management/ Watershed Division. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Dubuque in Iowa, a master’s degree in Fisheries Resources, and a PhD in Natural Resources from the University of Idaho.
As the new Forest Supervisor, McRoberts will be responsible for the overall management of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, which covers 1.9 million acres. This includes the Sandia, Mountainair, Magdalena, and Mt. Taylor ranger districts, which span over 1.6 million acres in New Mexico. Additionally, she will oversee four National Grasslands: Black Kettle, McClellan Creek, Kiowa, and Rita Blanca, covering a total of 263,261 acres across northeastern New Mexico, western Oklahoma, and northern Texas.
“This position provides the opportunity to work directly with legislative representatives, the public, and partners,” McRoberts said. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen these existing partnerships and building new relationships to help the Cibola NF & NGs better serve our public.”
Born and raised on a farm in north-central Idaho, McRoberts has a personal connection to forest communities. She and her family, who are outdoor enthusiasts, are eager to explore the Southwest and hike on National Forest System Lands.
Prior to McRoberts' appointment, the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands were led by a series of acting Forest Supervisors. The staff expressed their gratitude to Shasta Lake District Ranger Sara Acridge, Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek District Ranger Kim Bittle, and Cibola NF & NGs Deputy Forest Supervisor Yolynda Begay for their dedication and exemplary service.
Scope of Work in Cibola
As supervisor of the whole forest, McRoberts will be responsible for almost two million acres of land.
Directly impacting Cibola, McRoberts will be supervisor of the Mount Taylor Ranger District.
Located near Grants, NM, the Mount Taylor Ranger District encompasses nearly 520,000 acres of National Forest land, spanning two mountain ranges: Mt. Taylor and the Zuni Mountains. Elevations in this diverse landscape range from 6,500 to 11,301 feet. Mt. Taylor holds special religious and cultural significance for numerous Native American communities, including the Acoma, Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo, who know it by various traditional names and use it for collecting natural resources and conducting religious pilgrimages.
The district's rich cultural heritage is evident in the historic sawmills and logging communities that once thrived in the area. Visitors can explore this history through the Hilso Trailhead, a 26-mile trail system developed in collaboration with local and federal partners, named after the historic Hilso Sawmill. Additionally, the Zuni Mountain Trail Partnership has established over 180 miles of interconnected trails, enhancing recreational opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.
A notable feature of the district is the Zuni Mountain Historic Auto Tour, a 60-mile selfguided tour that provides insight into the area's logging past. Aviation history enthusiasts can also explore the district's role as a major east-west flight corridor, marked by several historical projects, including the preservation of Beacon Site 61 on the old Los Angeles-to-Amarillo air route.
The district also focuses on land management and restoration projects, such as the Zuni Mountain Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, which aims to reduce fire risks and restore the landscape using thinning and prescribed fire techniques. This initiative supports local forest-based industries and promotes ecological resilience.
Residents and visitors can reach out to the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands through their various district offices for more information and services:
• Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (Supervisors Office) 2113 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113 Phone: 505-3463900
• Mount Taylor Ranger District 1800 Lobo Canyon Rd., Grants, NM 87020 Phone: 505287-8833
• Magdalena Ranger District 203 First St., Magdalena, NM 87825 Phone: 575-8542281
• Mountainair Ranger District 40 Ranger Station Rd., Mountainair, NM 87036 Phone: 505-847-2990
• Sandia Ranger District 11776 Hwy. 337, Tijeras, NM 87059 Phone: 505-281-3304
• Black Kettle National Grasslands 18555 Hwy 47A Suite B, Cheyenne, OK 73628 Phone: 580-497-2143
• Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands 714 Main St., Clayton, NM 88415 Phone: 575-374-9652
The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, named after the Zuni Indian word for their pueblos or tribal lands, is a popular destination known for its recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping, and skiing. The forest features eight mountain ranges and four wilderness areas, offering diverse landscapes and experiences.