ARCATA, Calif., -- Michael J. Holt, a resource management professional with broad experience, has been selected as manager of the Bureau of Land Management’s King Range National Conservation Area on California’s North Coast.
“Michael brings a wealth of talent in natural and cultural resources management, partnerships, tribal relations, fire management and wilderness conservation," said Molly Brown, manager of the BLM Arcata Field Office, which oversees the King Range NCA. “He will bring valuable perspectives to the King Range, while preserving and expanding partnerships with stakeholders and the communities of the Lost Coast."
Holt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology and a cultural resource management certificate from California State University, Chico, and a Master of Arts degree in archaeological and heritage landscapes from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.
“My family and I are looking forward to moving back to California and living and working on the beautiful Lost Coast," Holt said. “I’m excited about meeting the partners so important to the BLM’s stewardship of the King Range."
Holt comes to the King Range from Clarksville, Tenn., where he was providing archeological and historic preservation consulting services part-time while caring for his 2 ½-year-old toddler. He has held leadership positions with the BLM, National Park Service and Forest Service in California, Nevada, Idaho and Alaska.
Holt succeeds Greg Wolfgang, who left the King Range for a new position within the BLM. He will oversee park rangers and work closely with a fire protection staff that works from the King Range office in Whitethorn.
The King Range NCA covers about 68,000 acres of dramatic mountain and coastal landscape stretching for 35 miles. It includes about 48,000 acres of wilderness and numerous trails including the Lost Coast Trail, the nation’s longest coastal wilderness trail. It is the nation’s first NCA, established in 1970.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
