A former special agent in the criminal investigation division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Minneapolis has been named the new chief ranger for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Mathew Jacobsen will oversee the Riverway's visitor and resource protection division, which includes law enforcement, security, emergency services, fire, ranger activities and the park's lands program.

Most recently, Jacobsen served with the U.S. Forest Service in Duluth as the patrol captain for the Minnesota and Wisconsin national forests. He has been responsible for law enforcement and investigations in the Chippewa, Superior and Chequamegon-Nicolet national forests and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he worked as a special agent for the EPA in Minneapolis and for the National Park Service at Fire Island National Seashore in New York and previously at the Riverway.

"Mat is a proven leader with over 10 years of federal law enforcement experience," said Riverway Superintendent Chris Stein. "His ability to manage complex issues across large geographic areas and engage partners and communities will be assets at the Riverway."

Jacobsen is a native of Rosemount. He has a bachelor's of science degree in education from Upper Iowa University and is a graduate of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He will begin work at the Riverway on Monday.

"Serving as the chief ranger for the Riverway is a tremendous privilege," Jacobsen said. "Having worked at the Riverway as a park ranger and district ranger, I know what a special place it is."

Kevin Giles • 651-925-5037

Twitter: @stribgiles