Nevada forester abruptly resigns
By Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette-Journal
Nevada State Forester and Firewarden Joe Freeland resigned on Monday, nearly six months after an escaped burn by the state triggered a large wildfire just south of Reno.
Freeland’s resignation was accepted by Bradley Crowell, director of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The resignation is effective immediately.
The Reno Gazette-Journal has reached out to NDF to confirm the reason for Freeland’s resignation. The state announcement did not mention the Little Valley Fire or any potential role it might have played in Freeland’s resignation.
Crowell, however, says that the agency is still in the midst of a comprehensive review of NDF policies and procedures, which was requested on Feb. 15. Additional details about the review will be made available but no specific time frame has been set, according to Crowell.