#blmcareers

[mypubliclands]

Bureau of Land Management Joins the Department of the Interior in Recognizing Unsung Heroes Across the Country

On November 17, the Bureau of Land Management held three virtual award ceremonies honoring more than 200 employees from across the Bureau who were recipients of the Department of the Interior’s Unsung Heroes Awards for their valuable behind-the-scenes contributions during the pandemic.  Despite the challenging times, these employees fought wildland fires, inspected oil and gas operations, kept recreation sites open and safe for visitors, performed field work, and provided critical administrative support, among other vital functions.

In opening remarks, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Kate MacGregor honored the award recipients for their unfailing commitment to their jobs and their dedication to the American people during the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“The exceptional men and women we recognize today stepped up at a time of great national need,” said MacGregor.  “Many of you worked long hours to keep as many of our public facilities and lands open as possible under extremely difficult circumstances, while doing everything possible to keep visitors safe. You did all this while continuing to help your children with online learning, caring for loved ones, and volunteering in your local communities to help in myriad other ways, such as sewing masks and making deliveries to vulnerable people. In every way, these exceptional employees have lived up to Teddy Roosevelt’s maxim to “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.’”

Mike Nedd, BLM Deputy Director for Operations, emceed the events and shared his sincere appreciation for the award winners:  “You represent the best of BLM, and too often, you do not receive the recognition you deserve for your hard work and dedication,” Nedd said. “Each of you continues to go above and beyond what is needed to perform your job everyday throughout the pandemic. For that, we are extremely grateful.”

Perry Pendley, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs, also gave remarks. He noted that these unprecedented times have “not been easy for any of us, but especially for those of you on the front lines executing BLM’s mission. To carry out the day-to-day responsibilities of public land stewardship, we need people like you: who believe in our mission, who love our public lands, and who go the extra mile to provide public service.”

BLM State and Assistant Directors then acknowledged each awardee from their office and provided a few examples of what these Unsung Heroes have accomplished, despite the complexities caused by the pandemic.

Let us all join together in congratulating these Unsung Heroes of the BLM! 

[mypubliclands]

Women’s History Month 2019: Cory Coffman

March is Women’s History Month, and throughout the month, we'll be highlighting some notable women in BLM. Every day, the women of the Bureau of Land Management help the agency make history and fulfill our multiple-use mission.

In November 2018, the BLM honored Corrine (Cory) Coffman, the Environmental Education Specialist at the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in Idaho, with the INSPirational Interpretation and Resource Education (INSPIRE) Award.The INSPIRE award recognizes employees involved with interpretation and/or education who have made significant contributions to BLM programs, initiatives, projects and/or events.  

Janet Ady, Washington Office Division Chief of Education, Interpretation, and Partnerships, presented the award at the 2018 National Association for Interpretation's conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Cory was instrumental in the planning and execution of the many events that marked the 25th anniversary of the designation of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. She was on the coordinating committee for the 25th Anniversary Kick-Off Party. The purpose of the anniversary celebration was to raise awareness of the NCA and its resources by recognizing those who worked for the NCA designation. The anniversary celebration also introduced the NCA to members of the public who did not know about it.

The NCA has a rich history of environmental education, including the use of educational raptors. Cory facilitated the acquisition of a Great-Horned Owl, Prairie Falcon, and Red-Tailed Hawk in order to increase the NCA's capacity to provide live raptor presentations. She also added to the NCA's robust school outreach program by providing a Raptor Quest program for all 3rd graders in the NCA's gateway community of Kuna, Idaho.

In addition, Cory organized the NCA's annual raptor banding trips which allow the public to help band raptors to further U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's research studies, and she was on the coordinating committee for the Snake River RaptorFest. She arranged for educational tours and lectures during the RaptorFest, including the addition of a Bikes and Birds event, a guided bicycle birding tour. More than 1,500 people attended each event.

Cory offered opportunities for the public to experience the great outdoors of the NCA by expanding the NCA's hiking series.

She also led the NCA's first Artist-in-Residence program to celebrate the 25th anniversary, which resulted in the selection of three artists-in-residence: a sketch artist, a photographer, and a musical group. She arranged for each artist-in-residence to have personal experiences in the NCA to inspire their work. Cory also coordinated their artist reception, final presentations, and a three-month art exhibit featuring their work at Canyon County's Crossroads Museum.

Cory was instrumental in organizing volunteers for Idaho's largest clean-up event, which resulted in approximately 600 volunteers removing more than 210 cubic yards of trash from the NCA.

Cory's work on her own and with partners has spread the message of shared conservation stewardship of public lands to thousands of people, school groups, and civic organizations in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. Her inclusion of the full NCA staff as well as other BLM technical specialists and academic scientists in her outreach plans has had a synergistic effect on the education and science missions of the NCA and created a whole new pool of partners and volunteers that continue to work on NCA projects after being inspired by Cory's presentations.

Congratulations to Cory!

[mypubliclands]

Women’s History Month: Marjorie Chiles

March is Women’s History Month, and throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting some notable women in BLM. Every day, the women of the Bureau of Land Management help the agency make history and fulfill our multiple-use mission.

Marjorie Chiles, Branch Chief of Engineering & Asset Management Policy for the BLM’s national office in Washington, DC has more than 18 years of facilities and construction contract management, planning and programming experience. Her areas of expertise include construction management, facility management, emergency management, and engineering policy.

Marjorie began her career in the US Navy as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer which was followed by a short period of time as a consultant for the Navy. The last nine and a half years of her career have been with BLM. When Marjorie started with BLM, she wrote and implemented guidance and policy on the BLM Dam Safety Program, Deferred Maintenance Program, and Construction Program.  

“One accomplishment I am proud of is the work I did with the Interagency Committee on Dam Safety’s (ICODS) Non-Federal Dams on Federal Land Task Group,” she says. “I was the task group chair and developed best practices and recommendations for federal agencies to manage non-federal dams on federal land. I was proud of the work I did when I first came to BLM and having some influence on shaping the future of BLM’s engineering programs but I am pleased to now be in a position where I have more influence in decision making.”

Marjorie says that one particular challenge she accepts is managing deteriorating assets with declining budgets that need resolution and/or action. “There were times when I was in the Navy,” Marjorie reflects, “that I had to leave for the next assignment before I could see my projects reach completion. I am encouraged by the opportunity I have to effect change and see change implemented in BLM.”

[mypubliclands]

Women’s History Month 2019: Jennifer Wheeler

March is Women’s History Month, and throughout the month, we'll be highlighting some notable women in BLM. Every day, the women of the Bureau of Land Management help the agency make history and fulfill our multiple-use mission.

BLM California botanist Jennifer Wheeler was recently one of three resource management professionals honored by the Partnership for the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps with the 21CSC National Champion of the Year Award for 2019. The 21CSC Champion of the Year Award recognizes individuals from partner organizations – including nonprofits and government agencies – who have gone above and beyond to engage Corps and support the training of the next generation of resource management professionals, community leaders, and outdoor recreationists. Champions are selected through a nomination process.

Jennifer Wheeler is recognized for her work with the California Conservation Corps for over two decades, facilitating life-changing service experiences for rural and urban youth from almost every social and economic demographic within the state of California. She is a champion of corpsmembers, helping thousands of CCC participants learn about science, nature, strong work ethic, how to communicate properly, how to push yourself through adversity, and most of all, how to be a better citizen and custodian of Mother Earth.

For years, Jennifer has been mentoring CCC members, as well as college graduates through BLM’s cooperative agreement with the Chicago Botanic Garden Conservation Land Management internship program. She has provided training and practical experience in the fields of botany, range management, as well as land-use planning, GPS and more.

Notably, Jennifer has worked with the CCC since 1994 on the recovery of coastal dunes and grasslands that provide important habitat for endemic plants, pollinators and shorebirds. Over the years, these restoration efforts have engaged more than 10,000 CCC members and volunteers. Thanks to these efforts, a 2012 status review recommended the down-listing of the beach laiya – a coastal flowering plant – from endangered to threatened. She also worked with CCC members and other partners on eradicating over two dozen non-native species on over 200,000 acres of public land in northwestern California using manual regimes instead of herbicides. Jennifer is dedicated to providing meaningful, diverse experiences.

Congratulations, Jennifer! Read more at 21csc.org.

[mypubliclands]

Women’s History Month: Holly Hovis

March is Women’s History Month, and throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting some notable women in BLM. Every day, the women of the Bureau of Land Management help the agency make history and fulfill our multiple-use mission.

The smell of sagebrush, the rustle of wild grasses, a buzzing of hummingbird wings, and the brilliant yellow of rabbitbrush flowers covered in butterflies—all are sights and sounds that southwest Idaho students can enjoy through their schools' native gardens, thanks in large part to a partnership with the BLM.

BLM Idaho Bruneau Field Office Botanist Holly Hovis is leading efforts to bring native plant gardens—with all of their ecological, economic, and educational values—to school districts in Boise and throughout southwest Idaho.

"It is rewarding to help raise students' awareness to the natural world around them," says Hovis. "We hope that these native plant gardens grow an appreciation for the complex natural resources we have on the public lands."

Schools in southwest Idaho have been making room for native plant gardens as a way to enhance traditional classroom learning and to provide hands-on experiences for their students. The gardens also provide an economic benefit by reducing watering costs associated with non-native lawn grasses.

Holly started this work at the Boise District Office by first converting an existing native area to an ethnobotany garden highlighting traditional uses of native plants in southwest Idaho. With increased management attention to sage-grouse, she developed a second garden and interpretive materials to demonstrate habitat requirements of sage-grouse. Over the years, these two gardens at the Boise District have served as locations for many BLM educational programs ranging from school-age children to adult continuing education programs.

After managing a modest native garden on the grounds of the Boise District Office, in 2010 Holly reached out and formed a partnership with the local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office, Idaho Botanical Garden, and Idaho Native Plant Society to create an educational native plant garden at Roosevelt Elementary School in Boise. The project included outdoor classroom space, a kiosk, weather station, metal sculpture, and native bee houses.

Holly's native garden work has since expanded to urban and rural schools throughout the region, including Bruneau Elementary School and Rimrock High School located in rural Owyhee County. This expansion has helped BLM to develop positive relationships with many families who rely on public lands for livestock grazing, recreation, and other uses.  

Holly and Kristin Lohr from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are also partnering with local libraries to develop native gardens that will be incorporated into library nature and gardening programs.

In October 2017, Boise's Hawthorne Elementary School was the latest school to celebrate the opening of their native garden. Holly, along with the school's volunteer Garden Coordinator Amy Pence-Brown, worked over two years to make the plan a reality.

"Hawthorne Elementary is the perfect place for an urban/school garden," says Pence-Brown, who is also a parent at Hawthorne Elementary. "Building this garden and expanding our outdoor educational opportunities brings together our students, parents and neighborhood community members by providing projects that beautify the school and help us further appreciate our native environment."

The garden is part of Boise's Neighborhood Investment Program for the Vista Neighborhood and doubles as a local park and gathering place. The garden is extensive and includes a pollinator garden, artist garden, sensory garden, student experimental garden and teacher's relaxation space.

"With Holly's expert guidance, we knew this garden would be an instant success—it's been great," says Pence-Brown.

In addition to working with eight schools and two libraries in the area, Holly is part of a collaborative effort to publish a Native Garden Guide for southwest Idaho. The guide, which will be available in July, was created to help everyone from backyard gardeners to urban planners turn their landscapes into native gardens, including partnership building, grant writing, and project planning.

"I'm very passionate about native gardens as learning environments," says Hovis. "There is so much school kids can learn about native plants in these settings that can be applied to the wild world around them."

[mypubliclands]

International Women’s Day 2019: Antoinette Funk

March 8, 2019 is International Women's Day, a day which has been observed since the early 1900s. International Women's Day is a day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women to promote unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action all around the world. In honor of International Women's Day, this week's BLM General Land Office record of the week celebrates the life Antoinette Funk- a women's rights advocate and a lawyer during the 20th century. Check out the full story map to take a tour through her life and legacy.

Learn more about Women’s History Month at https://womenshistorymonth.gov, and follow along as we continue to share profiles of some of the exceptional women of the BLM who help us make history every day.

[mypubliclands]

Women’s History Month: Kemba Anderson

March is Women’s History Month, and throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting some notable women in BLM. Every day, the women of the Bureau of Land Management help the agency make history and fulfill our multiple-use mission.

Kemba Anderson is BLM Nevada’s Branch Chief Fluids Minerals. She started with the BLM in June 2005. Since then, she’s been a Land Law Examiner, Supervisory Land Law Examiner, and now Branch Chief Fluid Minerals. She has also been on several details which include Associate Deputy State Director for Natural Resources, Branch Chief of the General Land Office, and Program Analyst to name a few. In addition, she’s also served as Special Emphasis Program Manager throughout her BLM career service as Black Employment Coordinator and Federal Employed Women Coordinator and is currently a Diversity Change Agent and a 2017 Leadership Academy graduate.

Along the way, Kemba says that she’s learned to be humble and that it is ok to fail. It takes a village to succeed. She’s also inspired by helping people, saying, “My philosophy on life is that it takes one person to make a change but a society to make a difference.” What do you hope to accomplish going forward? continue helping people and making a difference within BLM

Catch Kemba in DOI’s “Work With Us!” video on YouTube.

[mypubliclands]

Women’s History Month: Evelyn Trieman & Jennifer Montoya

March is Women’s History Month, and throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting some notable women in BLM. Every day, the women of the Bureau of Land Management help the agency make history and fulfill our multiple-use mission.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the BLM congratulates two employees who were recently recognized for their efforts in public land conservation.

Evelyn Treiman and Jennifer Montoya, employees with the Bureau of Land Management in Las Cruces, New Mexico, were recently honored by the Wilderness Society as recipients of the 2018 Comparative Analysis of Particular Excellence (CAPE) Award. It recognizes BLM staff and offices who are leading the effort to conserve and protect the many values of public lands. Treiman, an Outdoor Recreation Planner, and Montoya, an Environmental Specialist, were recognized for their “Lands with Wilderness Characteristics” (LWC) work on public land in Otero, Sierra and Doña Ana counties.

The LWC update was part of the land use planning for the TriCounty Resource Management Plan (RMP). Its objective was to assess public lands within the planning area in order to determine whether wilderness characteristics are present outside of existing wilderness study areas (WSAs). These characteristics include size (at least 5,000 acres), naturalness, outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation and supplemental values.

As the planning lead for the TriCounty RMP, Montoya assisted Treiman with the LWC data analysis. She coordinated the District management review and recommendation process and posted the “Wilderness Characteristic Inventory” report on eplanning, using the data in the RMP Supplement. The two-year LWC inventory update consisted primarily of field work with some additional office consultation and documentation, including a review of the 1979 New Mexico Wilderness Review Summary and the 1980 BLM New Mexico WSA Decisions. It also included verifying and updating the Geographic Information System (GIS) layers and maps for accuracy.

Altogether, the team inventoried more than 1.3 million acres of public land, evaluated 1,054 routes and ultimately identified 102 areas with wilderness characteristics within the RMP planning area. The total inventory also included 1,715 photos and 465 maps to support the evaluations.

The BLM congratulates Evelyn Treiman, Jennifer Montoya and their dedicated team who contributed to the success of this review.