LosPadresForest
Los Padres National Forest officials announced the arrival of a new, permanent district ranger for the Santa Lucia Ranger District. Benjamin Gray was selected for the position in October and assumed the position Dec. 4. Gray replaces Tony Martinez who left for a position on the Angeles National Forest earlier this year.
Gray comes to Los Padres from the Mendocino National Forest in northern California where he served as a district recreation officer. He recently completed an assignment as the interim Deputy District Ranger on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and is a graduate of the U.S. Forest Service’s Middle Leader Program. Gray previously served on the Cleveland National Forest in Southern California where he managed recreation for the San Diego River Watershed.
“We are excited to have Ben join the Forest leadership team and to have a permanent ranger on the district who can continue the important work that lays ahead while cultivating relationships with our partners and volunteers,” said Los Padres Forest Supervisor Chris Stubbs.
Gray is a native of Orlando, Florida. He holds degrees from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and the University of Kansas. Prior to joining the Forest Service, Gray performed research about natural resource decision-making, community resilience to natural disasters, and how partnerships between the states and federal government can reduce the spread of wildfire across jurisdictions.
“I am very happy to be a part of the Santa Lucia District of the Los Padres National Forest,” Gray said. “There aren’t many places in the world that have the beauty and charm of this area. I look forward to developing relationships with the forest’s visitors and partners and serving the people of today while protecting the forest resources for tomorrow.”
Gray and his wife, Alecia, have a son named Ben. When not at work, Gray enjoys spending time with his family, camping, disc golfing, hiking, racquetball, and music.
