Jason O’Neal Director of the Office of Law Enforcement and Security | Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning announced today that veteran land manager Joe Stout has been appointed the new BLM California State Director. In this role, Stout will oversee 15 million acres of public lands and 42 million acres of minerals and energy resources in California, as well as 1.6 million surface acres in northwestern Nevada. He will assume his new position on August 11, 2024.
Stout returns to BLM California after previously serving for over seven years as the Associate State Director and Acting State Director. Most recently, he was the Forest Supervisor of the Eldorado National Forest in the Central Sierras of California, where he managed four ranger districts and oversaw 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 knack for finding solutions to tough issues. His expertise will benefit the BLM and the communities we serve.”
Prior to his tenure with the United States Forest Service, Stout held leadership positions at all levels within the BLM. At Bureau Headquarters, he served as Acting Chief of Staff for the Director’s Office and Division Chief for Decision Support, Planning, and NEPA programs. Regionally, he was Acting Associate State Director of BLM Colorado; at the field level, he led a land use plan revision for the Kremmling and Glenwood Springs Field Offices in Colorado.
As BLM California State Director, Stout will lead a team of 1,100 permanent staff who manage public lands across rangelands, forests, high mountains, and deserts—making California one of the most diverse states in terms of landscape. The BLM manages an abundance of resources for multiple uses in California that support generations of families and local communities while providing significant economic benefits both locally and nationally.
Stout holds a master’s degree in public administration (Environmental Policy, Management, and Law) from the University of Colorado in Denver. He completed his undergraduate studies in sociology and environmental studies at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
Stout enjoys spending time outdoors with his family engaging in activities such as backpacking, fly fishing, and skiing.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land primarily located in 12 western states including Alaska on behalf of American citizens. The agency also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate nationwide. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for present and future generations' use and enjoyment.
