November 26, 2019
Retirement reception for state forester Larry Biles
To celebrate a career of achievements and dedicated service, the Kansas Forest Service will host a recognition ceremony for retiring state forester Larry Biles from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 5 at Kansas Forest Service, 2610 Claflin Road, Manhattan. Light refreshments will be served and formal remarks and recognition will begin at 4 p.m.
Biles has served in many roles throughout his career, including two years with the U.S. Army, eight years as a district forester for Kansas State University; seven years as the urban forestry coordinator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service in Atlanta; five years as a real estate property manager in Lawrenceville, Georgia; 13 years as forestry program leader for USDA Extension Service in Washington, D.C.; and five years as director for the Southern Forestry Research Partnership in Athens, Georgia. Biles was named state forester for the Kansas Forest Service in July 2008.
Biles received his bachelor's degree in forestry from the University of Missouri and a master's degree in ornamental horticulture from Kansas State University.
According to employees at the Forest Service, it is difficult, if not impossible, to sum up his achievements over the duration of his dedicated service.
"Larry has been an integral part of our agency and his contributions will always be valued and remembered," said Aimee Hawkes, budget/fiscal coordinator and office manager. "His hard work, commitment and dedication have been incredibly admirable. Larry will be greatly missed."
Cards and letters of congratulations may be sent in care of:
Aimee Hawkes
Kansas Forest Service
2610 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66502
Instead of gifts, Biles has asked for your consideration in making donations to Kansas Forestry Association, www.ksforestryassociation.org. Checks can be mailed to:
Kansas Forestry Association
2610 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66502
The Kansas Forest Service invites K-Staters to join in celebrating Biles' many accomplishments as well as his years of service.