FORT COLLINS, Colo. – After a national search, the Colorado State Forest Service is pleased to announce Christina Burri as the Deputy State Forester starting May 6, 2024.
“Christina’s passion for conserving Colorado’s forests and watersheds is infectious, and her capacity for big ideas and delivering equally big outcomes is exactly what Colorado’s forests need right now,” Colorado State Forester Matt McCombs said. “I’m thrilled to have her depth of knowledge, experience and energy informing this critical leadership role at the Colorado State Forest Service.”
Most recently as a watershed scientist at Denver Water, Burri brings 18 years of experience in natural resources to the position. Burri’s technical expertise complements her ability to bring diverse partners together to address complex environmental challenges. She inherently understands that working together is necessary to find solutions.
These skills are on full display through her leadership of the Forests to Faucets program at Denver Water, where she’s worked for the past eight years. Forests to Faucets is a partnership with the USDA Forest Service, Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the CSFS, and this program invests in proactive forest management to protect the water supply for millions of Coloradans. Originally from Ohio, Burri’s first job in Colorado was a Natural Resources Specialist with the Bureau of Reclamation before she went to work for Denver Water.
“I’m excited to bring my innovative and collaborative expertise, as well as my passion, to the important role of Deputy State Forester,” Burri said. “The Colorado State Forest Service is a great agency built on the knowledge, dedication and talent of the amazing staff and leadership. I’m honored to serve the people, communities and diverse interests of Colorado to collectively achieve the stewardship of Colorado’s forests now and for generations to come.”
Burri’s dedication to Coloradans, communities and forests is well documented. She’s a go-to expert on watershed science in Colorado as well as other states. Burri is regularly invited to provide expert testimony to the Colorado General Assembly, and she’s an articulate, enthusiastic advocate for the need for forest management and its connection to watershed health. This is also seen through her public service: Burri serves on the boards of the Jefferson Conservation District and the Coalition for the Upper South Platte. And recognizing her knowledge, skills and passion for Colorado’s forests and watersheds, Governor Polis appointed Burri to the Forest Health Council in 2021.
This crucial leadership position has been vacant for more than a year after former Deputy State Forester Susan Matthews retired in March 2023.