Veteran land management leader takes on role as BLM California State Director

Will lead a team that manages land covering 15% of the Golden State

PUBLISHED ON July 22, 2024

WASHINGTON — Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone-Manning has announced that veteran land manager Joe Stout has been named the new BLM California State Director, overseeing 15 million acres of public lands and 42 million acres of mineral and energy resources in California, as well as 1.6 million surface acres in northwestern Nevada. Stout will begin his new role on August 11, 2024..

Stout returns to BLM California, where he previously served for more than seven years as Associate State Director and Acting State Director. Stout most recently served as Forest Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest in the Central Sierras of California, where he oversaw four ranger districts and managed programs in natural resources, fire and aviation, public services, and engineering.

“Joe brings nearly 25 years of experience in natural resources, conservation and business management to his new role,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “He is highly respected for his inclusive approach to management, his ability to build strong relationships on the ground, and his talent for finding solutions to difficult issues. His expertise will benefit the BLM and the communities we serve.”

Prior to joining the United States Forest Service, Stout held leadership positions at all levels of the BLM. At the Bureau’s headquarters, he served as acting chief of staff for the Office of the Director and division chief for the Decision Support, Planning, and NEPA programs. At the regional level, he was acting deputy state director for BLM Colorado, and at the field level, he led a land use plan revision for the Kremmling and Glenwood Springs Field Offices in Colorado.

As California State Director of BLM, Stout will lead a team of 1,100 permanent staff who oversee public lands in the rangelands, forests, high mountains, and deserts that make California one of the most diverse states in the country. The BLM manages California’s abundance of multi-use resources, supports generations of families and local communities, and provides important economic benefits to Californians and the nation.

Stout earned a master’s degree in public administration (environmental policy, management, and law) from the University of Colorado at Denver and completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology and environmental studies from the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Stout and his family enjoy spending time outdoors, including backpacking, fly fishing and skiing.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public lands, primarily located in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also manages 700 million acres of subsurface mineral resources across the country. Our mission is to conserve the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

–Bureau of Land Management