My Public Lands

On December 16, the Bureau of Land Management held a virtual award ceremony honoring more than 89 employees from across the Bureau who were recipients of the Director’s Awards for their valuable contributions.

In opening remarks, William Perry Pendley, BLM Deputy Director for Policy and Programs, honored the award recipients for their unfailing commitment to their jobs, leadership and hard work.

“You represent the best of the BLM, and too often, you do not receive the recognition you deserve for your hard work, innovation, and dedication. Each of you continue to strive for excellence and go above and beyond what is needed to perform your job every day, even throughout the Pandemic,” Perry said.  

Mike Nedd, BLM Deputy Director for Operations, also shared his sincere appreciation for the award winners: “On behalf of BLM’s leadership, I would like to express our appreciation to all of you. Thank you for being truly extraordinary. As principal stewards of 245 million acres of public lands, we have an incredibly broad and complex mission, with a diverse array of responsibilities unlike that of any other federal agency. We have been challenged to sustain the health, productivity and diversity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. This is no easy task, and it has been made harder by the pandemic. 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. Needless to say, I have been consistently impressed by our workforce, and I am grateful to have this opportunity to thank you,” Nedd said.

During the ceremony, 23 employees received the Meritorious Service Award, the second highest honorary recognition granted to employees in the Department of the Interior. It is presented for an important contribution to science or management, a notable career, superior service in administration or in the execution of duties, or initiative in devising new and improved work methods, and procedures.

Pendley also acknowledged the 14 recipients of the Superior Service Award. This award is given to those that have made significant achievements to aid the mission of the Department of the Interior.

In addition, 52 employees were honored with the BLM Directors’ Awards for their exemplary service in the following five categories: Excellence Through Leadership; Excellence Through Stewardship; Team Accomplishments; Diversity and Inclusion, and Safety.

Let us all join together in congratulating these incredible employees of the Bureau of Land Management!