CASTLE ROCK – Long-time state Department of Natural Resources forester Eric Wisch is the new manager of the agency’s Pacific Cascade Region, based in Castle Rock.

Wisch will oversee all DNR programs throughout the region, which includes 480,000 acres in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties and southeast Grays Harbor County.

“Eric will do a wonderful job serving the citizens and economy in this widely diverse and resource-rich region,” Public Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark said in a written statement announcing the appointment Monday.

“Eric has shown his commitment to sustainable resource management and stewardship throughout his 26-year career with DNR, and I look forward to that continuing,” Goldmark continued.

Wisch started with DNR as a forest technician in 1983. Since then, he has worked in the department’s forestry, fire protection, forest practices, surface mining, and product sales programs.

He has a bachelor’s degree in forest management from the University of Washington.