Alex Schlueter Takes Charge of Red Rock Ranger District’s Future

The Coconino National Forest has officially appointed Alex Schlueter as the permanent District Ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District, effective Sunday, August 25. This announcement was made on Thursday, August 15.

Schlueter succeeds Amy Tinderholt, who transitioned to a remote role within the Forest Service as a recreation planner earlier this year. He has held the position of interim deputy district ranger and has been actively serving in that capacity since July 2021.

Reflecting on his conservation philosophy, Schlueter emphasized the importance of empathy in land management, drawing inspiration from his grandfather. “Some of the ethics that I learned from my grandfather, about caring for the landscape, is not only doing the right thing on the ground, but having emotions attached to what you’re managing,” he stated. This deep-rooted connection shapes his perspective in addressing the needs of diverse stakeholder groups.

A Minnesota native, Schlueter earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation resource management and a master’s in natural resources science and management from the University of Minnesota. His career began at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and he continues to participate in traditional hunting with his family during annual trips back to Minnesota.

“What attracts me to this agency is balancing all those different uses,” Schlueter noted. His background in hunting and familiarity with timber management influence his commitment to a multifaceted approach to land use, as opposed to a preservation-only model.

The ranger outlined his key priorities for the district: implementing the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, enhancing recreation management, and improving riparian area stewardship. Schlueter aims to conduct fire risk modeling in the Sedona and Village of Oak Creek regions, facilitating more effective resource allocation and treatment planning.

In addition, Schlueter announced a delay regarding the proposed Arizona Public Service powerline between the Village of Oak Creek and McGuireville substations, now expected to be published in the Federal Register with an objection period opening in January.

On a personal note, Schlueter shared how he enjoys spending his days off. He often hikes with his girlfriend and dog, embracing both exploratory adventures and culinary experimentation at home.

Aiming to explore all trails in the district, Schlueter has hiked approximately half so far. “I’m not in a hurry to move up the ladder; I want to ensure every stop of my career has made a positive contribution,” he explained, expressing a desire to remain in the role for at least five years.

There are still several unfilled positions within the Red Rock Ranger District, including a district hydrologist and an administrative assistant. Additionally, two resource assistants have been hired through the nonprofit organization Conservation Legacy, set to support various initiatives later this year.

Schlueter also mentioned the hiring of an archaeologist through alternative funding sources. “They’re going to help with some of our OHV monitoring challenges and become integrated into the Sedona Recreation Collaborative effort,” he said.

Looking ahead, Schlueter remains optimistic even in the face of uncertainty, recognizing the value of the relationships he has built. “I’ve had an opportunity to establish a number of relationships here, and I can depend on them with partners and with individuals, and that’s what’s going to get us through,” he concluded.