BLM Colorado State Director, Helen Hankins Announces Retirement
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Lakewood, Colorado -- The Bureau of Land Management Colorado State Director, Helen Hankins, will retire September 30, the agency announced today.
A 42-year veteran of the BLM, Hankins has served in many leadership positions throughout the Bureau, including such states as Alaska, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado.
“The BLM has benefited enormously from Helen’s work for the BLM at all levels," said Neil Kornze, the BLM's Principal Deputy Director in Washington, D.C. “We commend and thank Helen for her public service."
During her tenure with the BLM, Hankins has compiled a record of accomplishment, which includes ensuring the design and construction of the California National Historic Trail Interpretive Center and restoring hundreds of thousands of acres in the Great Basin following wildfires. In 2011, Hankins formed a partnership with the Colorado Youth Corps to develop future BLM employees. In 2012, 34 college students from the Youth Corps throughout Colorado were employed by the BLM.
“I have loved my work for the BLM and am proud to have contributed to its multiple-use mission on behalf of the American people,” said Hankins.
Associate State Director John Mehlhoff will serve as Acting Colorado State Director until a permanent selection is made.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.