Author: Robyn Broyles
Russell Felicia, a graduate of South Dakota State University, recently completed the BIA Office of Trust Services Pathways Internship Program for Wildland Firefighters.
Upon successfully completing the program, Russel began working with the BIA Rosebud Agency as a Rangeland Management Specialist. Wendy Wells, Russell’s new supervisor says of him, “From day one, he has shown strong work ethics, and a willingness to learn. I couldn’t be happier to have him here with us!”
Since beginning in May, Russel has been attending training to develop range management skills, including attending a GIS workshop at the local Tribal college. He also attended a three day Range Camp for professionals, hosted by South Dakota State University.
In FY18, the Branch provided $406,000 in Preparedness funding to hire 25 student interns for BIA’s forestry and fire management programs. Bureau and Tribal programs hosted 15 interns studying wildland fire management and 10 interns studying forestry. Since the program’s inception in 2016, there have been four fire interns converted to permanent positions, two each with BIA and Tribal programs.
For Immediate Release: December 1, 2018
