Thomas Dozier Is New District Ranger

Forest Supervisor Betty Mathews has selected Thomas Dozier as the new District Ranger for the Oconee Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.

Mr. Dozier is responsible for managing the district which covers the 116,700 acre Oconee National Forest and is headquartered in Eatonton. He began his new role on March 23.

With his years of experience and diverse resource background, Mathews feels strongly that Dozier is well suited for this position. “We are thrilled to have him on this forest, and I know he will be a great addition to our leadership team,” she said.

“I think this is an awesome opportunity to work on a different forest, meet new people and face different challenges,” said Dozier. “I look forward to interacting with all the folks who work, partner and play on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.”

Originally from West Helena, Ark., Dozier first began with the Forest Service in 1991 as a recreation technician on the Ouachita National Forest. He became a zone archeologist there, where he served until 2010. Most recently Dozier was the District Ranger on the Redbird Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky.

Dozier proudly served more than 20 years in the United States Army Reserves, retiring as a Major in 2004. He is a 1985 graduate of Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Ark. with a degree in history. He has a passion for classic cars and enjoys jogging and hiking.

Dozier will manage a staff of more than 20 people on the Oconee Ranger District, which stretches across eight counties in the Georgia piedmont. The district boasts bountiful game and exceptional fishing opportunities, and includes Lake Sinclair, popular for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests provide the finest outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources in Georgia.