Derek Padilla sworn in as the BLM Tres Rios Field Manager
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DOLORES, Colo. — Derek Padilla was sworn in today as the field manager for the Bureau of Land Management Tres Rios Field Office. Padilla will oversee the management of more than 600,000 acres of public land and over two million acres of federal mineral estate within BLM Colorado’s Southwest District, with trust responsibility for minerals management on 800,000 acres of tribal lands. Within the field office boundary, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument contains the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States, contributing to our understanding and appreciation of the rich history of indigenous cultures.
BLM Colorado State Director Doug Vilsack administered the oath of office at the community center in Mancos, CO. “The BLM is always made better when we have the opportunity to bring in talented leaders from our state and federal partner agencies,” said Director Vilsack. “Derek’s range of experiences will contribute greatly to our agency’s collective knowledge and capabilities in managing our public lands on behalf of the American people.”
Derek is well known to many in the Dolores community, where for over 11 years he has been a District Ranger for the Dolores Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest. Before relocating to Colorado in 2012 with his wife Leslie and their 13-year old son, daughter (now a geologist with the Forest Service in New Mexico), and Australian shepherd Raider, Derek served as the District Ranger in Cuba, New Mexico. Prior to becoming a line officer, he served as a Rangeland Management Specialist in Arizona, as well as a Supervisory Rangeland Management Specialist in New Mexico. He completed a detail as the Forest Supervisor for the Gila National Forest and is an experienced agency administrator for prescribed and wildland fire.
“The Southwest District is excited to welcome Derek Padilla to our corner of BLM Colorado! Derek’s experience could not be a better match for continuing the priority work underway at the Tres Rios Field Office,” said District Manager Stephanie Connolly. “We’re especially grateful to gain his strong background in fire, which will benefit us greatly in achieving prescribed fire goals in the area.”
Derek holds a Bachelor of Science in Range Science, along with a Biology minor, from New Mexico State University. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, and motor boating. “I am looking forward to expanding my land management knowledge with a new agency and hope to continue the great work that employees of the Tres Rios Office have been carrying out over the years. I am also glad that I will be able to continue working with the San Juan National Forest and other partners in the management of the great resources that Southwest Colorado provides for the American people,” said Padilla.
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.