For Immediate Release: January 10, 2001  SO-02-01
Contact: John Dearing 916-978-4622

Jim Abbott is new Associate State Director for BLM

Bureau of Land Management State Director Mike Pool selected Jim Abbott as the Associate State Director for BLM in California.  Abbott, a 24-year veteran of federal service, will assume his new position next month.

"I am delighted to announce Jim Abbott's selection," said Pool. "Jim brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about administering public lands and has a great record working with diverse interest groups on management of natural resources," Pool said.  "He is an excellent choice for the job because of his exceptional resource and personnel skills.".

As associate state director, Abbott will work with Pool to oversee the agency's management of 14.5 million acres of public land in California.  The Bureau has 16 field offices with over 800 employees throughout the state and is headquartered in Sacramento. 

Abbott has been in Washington, D.C. the past two years as the national land exchange team leader.  Prior to his assignment in Washington, Abbott held positions as associate district manager in Las Vegas, Nevada;  field office manager in Bakersfield, California; assistant field office manager in Palm Springs, California and held various staff positions in Colorado and Utah.  His BLM experience covers wilderness management, recreation, fire, and oil and gas administration.  While previously in California, he was involved in developing community-based partnerships for the Carrizo Plain Natural Area and the newly designated Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.

Abbott said he is pleased to be returning to California. "It is exciting to again work with our California constituents and dedicated BLM employees on the state's diverse resource challenges and opportunities."

He replaces Al Wright and will assume the associate state director position on February 19.

Abbott, 47, has a degree in recreation management from Colorado State University.  Hobbies and interests include cooking, gardening, camping and mountain biking.  

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