The Faces Behind Alpine

David Telian alpine forestry co owner portrait

David Telian
Co-Owner, Founder

With nearly two decades of experience in wildland fire, emergency response, and resource management, David has worked on some of the most elite teams in the country—including as a Smokejumpers, Hotshot crews, and beyond.

His expertise on complex fire operations includes (but is not limited to) hazardous tree removal, prescribed burns, and interagency fire operations. Certified as a C-Faller, one of the best in the nation, and Type 3 Burn Boss—David brings unmatched field knowledge, experience, and leadership to every project.

Matt Castellon portrait co owner alpine forestry

Matthew Castellon
Co-Owner

With over 25 years of fire management and emergency response experience, Matt has worked on the front lines of both structure and wildland firefighting.

As an Idaho Smokejumper and Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, he brings unmatched expertise in complex fire operations. His certifications, including (amongst the vast array) Type 4 Incident Commander and Task Force Leader, reflect his leadership in fire suppression, prescribed burns, and defensible space creation. Matt’s work has spanned international efforts, delivering fire risk management solutions beyond U.S. borders, making him a trusted expert in protecting communities and landscapes.

  • To build resilient forests and communities across Utah through wildfire and avalanche mitigation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable land practices.

  • Protect and manage Utah’s forests by delivering innovative solutions for wildfire and avalanche risk, forest health, and fostering collaborative partnerships with the communities we serve.

    • Safety – Ensuring the safety of communities through proactive risk management.

    • Integrity – Committed to transparency, trust, and ethical responsibility in all we do.

    • Sustainability – Practicing daily stewardship to preserve Utah's lands for future generations.

    • Collaboration – Working hand-in-hand with communities, leaders, and responders to achieve lasting results.

    • Innovation – Rooted in tradition, utilizing modern techniques and expertise to mitigate wildfire, avalanche, and forest health risks.

Our local staff are motivated outdoor enthusiasts with diverse backgrounds and a unique story to tell.

Meet our team:

Our Team

  • Noah Keller
    Logistics Manager

  • Jeremiah Marok
    Operations Manager

  • Robby Young
    Avalanche Specialist & GIS Technician

  • Teddy Zerivitz
    Tech Assistant

  • Xia Ren Arnold
    Marketing Specialist

  • Katharine Napier-Janz
    Forestry Consultant

crew photo alpine forestry chainsaws
crew photo women in fire and forestry chainsaws

“ Our commitment is to create fire-adapted, resource-rich landscapes through meticulous planning, comprehensive treatment, and sustainable land management. We aim to lead the industry in best practices, environmental stewardship, and fostering strong community partnerships.

— Matthew Castellon | Co-Owner

Matthew Matt Castellon Smokejumper R3 2011 Owner Alpine Forestry

Our Work

Frontline Experience You Can Trust

With over 40 years of combined experience, our team brings a wealth of knowledge in fire and emergency response, disaster planning, GIS mapping, and hazardous fuels reduction.

Having worked extensively in the wildland-urban interface, we understand the challenges northern Utah communities face in preventing and managing wildfire risks. Our detailed, systematic approach ensures that homeowners and community members receive the best solutions to achieve forest health and fire resiliency.

helicopter putting out wildfire with water

Our Experience

The Alpine Forestry Advantage

We have spent thousands of hours on the front lines of wildfires, serving in roles such as planning, directing, and executing fire operations. Our experience includes hazardous fuels management strategies like broadcast and pile burning, as well as fuel break thinning.

These practices are vital for reducing wildfire risk and protecting both homes and the environment. Through our hands-on work in fire-prone areas, Alpine Forestry has earned the trust of homeowners and communities by delivering proven solutions that make a lasting difference.

Let’s Build a Fire-Resilient Future Together

With growing awareness of wildfire risks, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps in fire prevention. We’ve seen firsthand how proper pre-planning and hazardous fuels reduction can make all the difference when wildfires occur. Let Alpine Forestry guide you toward creating a safer, more resilient community.

Take Action

Your Land, Your Call. Let’s Plan Together.

Email

info@alpineforestryutah.com

Phone

(435) 214-7456

“ Recognizing the growing need for comprehensive land management in northern Utah, we founded Alpine Forestry to bring our expertise in wildfire risk reduction, prescribed burning, forest health, tree services, and forestry conservation to the Wasatch.

— David Telian | Co-owner

David telian Smokejumper Owner Alpine Forestry in front of Airplane 2019

Quick Links

Professional Affiliations

  • International Society of Arboriculture, Utah Chapter

  • Tree Care Industry Association

  • Utah Prescribed Fire Council

  • Utah Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee

  • National Wildfire Suppression Association

  • Forest Stewards Guild

  • National Wildfire Coordinating Group

  • National Fire Protection Association