New Prineville Manager Named
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Today Ed Shepard, the Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Director, announced the selection of Ms. Carol Benkosky for the position of Prineville District Manager in Prineville, Oregon. Benkosky is currently the District Manager for the Lakeview District. She will report to Prineville in March, replacing Deborah Henderson-Norton who retired at the end of 2011.
“Carol has demonstrated skills in developing partnerships and is very well-qualified to work with the communities, partners and employees of the Prineville District to accomplish the BLM's mission. She has managed wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, outfitter and guides and OHV systems as well as the more traditional range, wildlife, energy, fire and fuels programs. This experience will serve her well in managing the complex challenges and opportunities in Central Oregon," said Ed Shepard, Oregon/ Washington BLM State Director.
Since 1983, Benkosky has worked with both the BLM and U.S. Forest Service in California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership in many varied roles including District Manager, Associate District Manager, District Ranger, Natural Resource Specialist, and a Range and Wildlife Officer.
“Carol has worked extensively with tribal leaders, State agencies, Resource Advisory Councils, and in successful Service First partnerships with national forests. Her commitment to finding workable solutions for the local community will serve her well as she brings those skills to the Prineville District," continued Shepard.
The Prineville District Manager serves as the line manager and advises the State Director on policies and programs pertinent to the Prineville District as they relate to the management of natural resources on public lands.
The Prineville District encompasses approximately 1.65 million acres of public lands that are scattered throughout central Oregon, south from The Dalles to the high desert, west to Sisters, and east to the Grant/Harney County line. The Crooked, Deschutes, John Day, and White Rivers are wild and scenic waterways traversing 385 miles of the District. The Prineville District has two Field Offices, containing a wealth of recreation, cultural, and natural resources: the Central Oregon Field Office and the Deschutes Field Office. Additional information about the BLM's Prineville District and its programs is available online at: blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/about.php
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.