By Christopher Tall, WDNR
After a long and fruitful career with the Wisconsin DNR, Brad Johnson’s last day in the office was September 4, 2020. He started his DNR career as an integrated forestry team leader for Douglas County from 1993 to 2002 and transferred to the same position for Barron and Washburn County from 2002-2017. Since 2017, he has served as an Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator covering 19 counties along the west side of the state from the Spooner Ranger Station.
Urban Forestry Team Leader Jeff Roe says, “It has been my pleasure to supervise Brad for the last few years. His positive attitude and passion for the work have left an indelible impression on both staff and partners. He has been a great team member, willing to learn and to offer his input in a friendly way.”
Spooner Area Forestry Leader Rod Fouks added, “I have had the great fortune of being supervised by Brad and also being his supervisor. The one trait that always impressed me about Brad is his compassion for his coworkers. No matter the situation, Brad has always demonstrated how much he cares for those around him.”
According to Brad, “The highlight of my career at the DNR was working with both the sheer variety of people as well as the variety of forest resources. I had the privilege of working with employees and partners in all stages of life and situations. I found the field of forestry to provide the ultimate variety in natural resource work. Whether I was working with the people-oriented community forest resource or the more remote private lands, county forest or state forest, there was always something challenging and new in each of these unique environments. To be working with such dedicated people as fellow stewards of God’s creation has been both a privilege and great responsibility that I will continue to support and cherish forever.”
“In my retirement years, I am hoping to continue to enjoy the outdoors – hiking, camping, biking, skiing, boating and birdwatching with my beautiful wife Sharon, and faithful Labrador retriever, Abby. I am also looking forward to spending time with my kids and family in a few different states,” Brad added.
Congratulations, Brad, and best wishes for a long and happy retirement!