Retired U.S. Forest Service manager interviews for Duluth Parks and Recreation Commission

Constance Cummings, a retired U.S. Forest Service manager, appeared before the personnel committee to interview for a District 5 seat on the Duluth Parks and Recreation Commission.

Cummings told councilors she moved to Duluth in 2016 after serving as forest supervisor for the Superior National Forest and said she spent 42 years with the U.S. Forest Service. She described a bachelor’s degree in forestry and natural resources from Purdue University and said much of her career involved managing large recreation programs and working with partners. “I do believe in forest management,” Cummings said when asked about city parkland, and she emphasized the need to plan for climate change and wildfire risk.

On priorities, Cummings said her top goal would be to improve accessibility so more residents can use parks and recreational facilities; she said partnerships with nonprofits and businesses are important to maintain infrastructure and program offerings. She told councilors she works with the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance and expects to bring experience collaborating with nonprofits and community businesses to the commission.

Councilors asked several technical and programmatic questions. Councilor Forsman asked about forest management within city parks; Cummings said she had not yet performed an inventory but stressed taking a long-term view and adapting plans to climate risks. Councilor Mayo asked whether she had seen the city’s Natural Resources Management Plan; Cummings said she had not reviewed it but said the commission should be part of implementing the plan.

Cummings described past efforts to promote diversity and outreach in the Forest Service, including education programs and urban forestry work that brought people from cities to experience public lands. She said she would be “very excited” to serve on the commission and thanked councilors for the opportunity. The personnel committee did not take an appointment vote at the meeting; Cummings’ nomination will be scheduled for the next council cycle.