Leadership changes are afoot at the Lolo National Forest.

On Monday, forest supervisor Tim Garcia was named director of state and private forestry for the U.S. Forest Service’s Northern and Intermountain regions.

He’ll begin that assignment on Oct. 1, after three and a half years at the Lolo Forest.

In a written statement, Garcia said: “I’m grateful to have served as the Lolo Forest supervisor and to have worked with the many talented and committed employees who care for the public lands of the Lolo National Forest and for the public. I’m going to miss this but I’m very proud of what we have accomplished alongside our partners and engaged citizens.”

Prior to his assignment in Missoula, Garcia worked in the legislative affairs branch of the Forest Service’s Washington Office.

Joe Alexander, now the director of recreation, minerals, lands, heritage, and wilderness programs in the Forest Service’s Northern Region, will serve as acting Lolo Forest supervisor for 120 days during the selection process for Garcia’s successor.

Alexander graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s degree in forestry. He started his career as a range management specialist on the Bitterroot National Forest and then on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands.

“I’m excited about this position on the Lolo National Forest and the opportunity to work with the Lolo’s great employees and the many communities, citizens and local governments on those shared outcomes we all seek for quality outdoor recreation and healthy communities,” Alexander said in Monday’s announcement.