HARRISBURG- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that Karli Naugle has been appointed to serve as the district forester for Buchanan State Forest, which includes land in Franklin, Fulton, and Bedford counties.
“Karli has a deep connection to the Buchanan and has proven to be a tremendous leader in various roles within the agency,” Dunn said. “I am excited to announce her appointment to this role and look forward to seeing her continued impact as an exemplary leader at DCNR.”
Naugle assumed management responsibilities for the Buchanan in September, overseeing the 72,783-acre forest named in honor of James Buchanan, the fifteenth president of the United States.
The 19 tracts of Buchanan State Forest occupy upper slopes in the southern portion of the Ridge and Valley region of Pennsylvania, which provide opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and other recreational offerings for all seasons.
“I am excited for this new challenge and the opportunity to lead the forest I love,” Naugle said. “I am extremely honored to have the responsibility of managing the natural resources in the Buchanan for present and future generations use.”
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Naugle grew up in Chambersburg and spent large amounts of her free time outdoors in the Buchanan.
She attended the Pennsylvania State University in State College where she studied biology, until her love of forests pushed her to change her major, and she subsequently earned an undergraduate degree for forest science.
Noting the feeling of peace she has when outdoors, Naugle said wants help others connect to nature because, “it’s hard to be stressed when you’re walking among trees.” Naugle said she plans to help the public make new connections with natural spaces by way of ADA accessible projects, alternative language signage, and work to expand recreation offerings in the forest district.
Naugle has worked for DCNR for 25 years, beginning as a forest technician in Sproul State Forest, and working in various other roles including as a forest health technician, in urban and community forestry, and as the assistant district forester for Buchanan State Forest.
She replaces Jason Hall, who is now working as the regional forester for Pennsylvania’s eastern and southern state forest districts.
Naugle lives in Chambersburg with her husband, Andrew, son, Liam, and two dogs, Isabelle and Owen. Her interests include hiking, reading, and traveling.
