A Coudersport native has been named the new district forester at Elk State Forest.
Joe Kellert served as Elk State Forest’s operations and maintenance assistant district forester for nearly 14 years before being named district forester.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Forester Ellen Shultzabarger announced Kellert’s appointment on Monday.
Elk State Forest is almost 217,000 acres and includes parts of Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties.
According to the DCNR, Kellert has worked for the Bureau of Forestry for more than 20 years — but has wanted to work in the field for even longer.
“Having aspired to be a forester since he was 8 years old, Kellert said he is proud of the career path he has chosen, noting that he is happy to be working in the area where he grew up,” DCNR officials stated.
His career at the DCNR has included time in the central office as a program specialist in the Forest Recreation and Fire Protection programs, at Tuscarora State Forest as a forester and technician and at Susquehannock State Forest as an intern.
“I’m optimistic and looking forward to the challenges of my new role,” Kellert said. “I want to be helpful and aspire to build on the work we have done in my time as an assistant district forester. I look forward to continuing to strengthen partnerships with our communities, as well as the great district team that manages the forest.”
Thanks to Kellert, there have been several improvements at Elk State Forest during his time there, including recreational infrastructure improvements, road and bridge upgrades, gas infrastructure development and incorporated land acquisitions.
“Joe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position as a veteran forester,” Dunn said. “He has demonstrated skills as an administrator and coordinator of people and resources in his prior roles at the forest and with the Bureau of Forestry, and we expect he will continue to provide steady leadership.”
Shultzabarger talked about Kellert’s appreciation for the wilderness.
“Joe has a deep love for the Elk State Forest and protecting nature,” she said. “I am confident his dedication and experience will continue to have a positive impact at the forest and its surrounding communities.”
Kellert lives in Coudersport with his wife, Robyn, and the three youngest of their five children. A graduate of Penn State, he has an associate degree in forest technology and a bachelor’s degree in forest science.
Kellert enjoys spending time outdoors even when he’s not at work. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, spending time with family, traveling and exercising.
