Wyoming News Release
April 1, 2009 Contact: BLM Wyoming State Director Names |
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“John has a broad management and natural resources background,” Simpson said. “I am pleased he has accepted this assignment.”
Ruhs will oversee the management of over 9.4 million acres of public lands and resources and 9.9 million acres of sub-surface minerals throughout southern and western Wyoming. He will be responsible for more than 311 employees in 4 field offices and an annual budget of about $22 million.
“I look forward to taking on the new and exciting challenges Wyoming has to offer,” Ruhs said.
Ruhs, a 23-year veteran of the BLM, has served in a variety of positions in Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, and, the Eastern States Office in Wisconsin. He has held positions at many levels throughout the agency and in a number of programs, including range, fire, horses, and served in a variety of details. Ruhs holds a degree in Animal Science from the University of Idaho. He and his wife Amy have seven children and 12 grandchildren.
– BLM -
The BLM manages more land – 258 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western States, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
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