Colorado district ranger bids farewell to the busiest ranger district in the National Forest System

The district ranger for the busiest ranger district in the nation’s most-visited national forest has left the U.S. Forest Service after accepting a new job in Illinois.

Adam Bianchi, who served as the Dillon District Ranger in the White River National Forest since 2021, said Thursday was his final day with the U.S. Forest Service. Bianchi has accepted a new position as the general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County in Illinois.

“It’s really hard to put into words how special Summit County and the Dillon Ranger District are,” he said. “Everyone is really supportive of public lands management. This community has a deep understanding and appreciation for public lands.”

Home to four ski resorts, seven Nordic centers, the Vail Pass Recreation Area, and many other recreational opportunities, the Dillon Ranger District has drawn more than 8 million visitors annually in recent years. Located in Summit County, it is the busiest ranger district in the White River National Forest, which is itself the most-visited national forest in the United States.

Deputy District Ranger Amanda Wheelock will head the Dillon Ranger District until the district ranger position is filled, Bianchi said. So, the Dillon Ranger District is “still in good hands,” he said.

Bianchi, who first came to the Dillon Ranger District as the deputy district ranger in 2016, said he is proud of the partnerships he fostered in his years leading the ranger district. He said he always focused on working collaboratively with groups like the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, Friends of the Lower Blue River, Blue Watershed Group, and other nonprofits to protect natural resources as well as with ski resorts and other businesses to provide high-quality recreation.

Noting that there are 312,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in the Dillon Ranger District, he said, “here in Summit County, it really does take an all-hands approach to manage that much land. This community steps up time and time again to support the Forest Service.”

In Illinois, he will oversee more than 70,000 acres of forests that include campgrounds, trails, boating centers, golf courses, aquatic centers, and more, according to a news release announcing his appointment as general superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

As he prepares to leave Colorado, Bianchi stressed that it’s important “to sustain these lands for future generations.” He said he hopes to return to the Dillon Ranger District to visit the friends he’s made over the years and to ski.

“It’s been the highlight of my career to be here,” he said. “I’m excited for my next opportunity, but this place is special. I’m incredibly appreciative. I’ll miss this place.”