Neil Kornze talks about accomplishments, issues of BLM

Bureau of Land Management Director Neil Kornze took a look back at what his agency accomplished and the issues that still need work before he stepped down from the position. Kornze said Thursday that he felt “blessed” to lead the BLM. He worked for the agency for six years and led it for the last four. “It’s been an absolute dream for a boy from Elko,” he said. “It used to be my nights and weekends were getting to the north end of Fifth Street and just getting out and exploring. To be able to be involved in public lands questions every day has been absolutely extraordinary. Not the path that I expected for myself, but one I have been so excited to be on.” Kornze said he was proud of the BLM’s record in managing conservation areas. The agency is responsible for about 800 of these areas across the country and the BLM has kept communities involved in the process of “figuring out the best path forward for what we do with those places,” he said. In regard to the change in administration, Kornze said the secretary of the Interior nominee said “he does not support the sale and disposal of public lands.” “That was very encouraging to me,” Kornze said. “I think we’re always learning how to manage the public lands better, but I think it is such a critical and incredible part of our national heritage. There are few places in the world where when you’re born you’re automatically given access to some of the most beautiful places in the world, and you get that here in the United States. That’s the conversation I think we’ll continue.”...more