News Release

For Release:  Jan. 30, 2007         
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-07-28

BLM Manager Billingsley Announces Retirement

Owen Billingsley, manager of the U. S. Bureau of Land Management’s Surprise Field Office in Cedarville, has announced his retirement from federal service.  His last day on the job will be Friday, Feb. 2.
 
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in Surprise Valley, and the good relationships between the public land users and BLM staff,” Billingsley said.  “I am proud that we have been able to bring various interests together to find common ground and reach solutions to natural resource management issues. I am certain that the good relationships between BLM, local government and the ranching community will continue, largely due to the positive influence of such community-based groups as the Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Program”
 
BLM California State Director Mike Pool offered his thanks for Billingsley’s five years of work.
 
“Owen believes deeply that communication and cooperation are the keys to success as we work together with our partners and communities to conserve and manage our natural resources.  The BLM and our constituents owe him a debt of gratitude for bringing that positive attitude to his job,” Pool said.  “The natural resources of Surprise Valley and our public land stakeholders have been well served under Owen’s leadership and his contributions to the community.”
 
A replacement for Billingsley has not been named.   Pool said various BLM staff members will fill the position temporarily immediately following his departure.
 
Billingsley is ending a 31-year career in natural resources management.  He earned a BA degree in geology from Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif. and completed graduate work in geology at the University of Montana.  He worked as a geologist for the Forest Service, the US Geological Survey and for the BLM in Utah and Montana.  In 1995 he became the manager of the BLM’s Havre, Montana Field Station, a position he held until his move to Cedarville in 2002.
 
Billingsley and his wife, Margaret, plan to stay in Cedarville, at least for the immediate future, where they plan to continue involvement in community and civic activities.

-BLM-

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