From Deseret News archives:
Utahn resigns from BLM
Clarke's efforts as director are hailed as 'truly inspiring'
Clarke was the first woman to head the bureau and the second person from Utah. Prior to becoming BLM director in January 2002, she was executive director of the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
In a statement issued Thursday, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne called Clarke's work "truly inspiring."
"Our public lands, our forests and our landscapes are better off because of your service," Kempthorne wrote to Clarke in accepting her resignation, according to the statement.
Clarke will return to Utah, but the exact date of her departure from office or who will replace her even on an interim basis was not available Thursday. Clarke's successor will need confirmation by the Senate.
During Clarke's tenure, the Bush administration started evaluating oil, gas and other energy-development potential on public lands. She also faced a controversy where wild horses ended up in a slaughterhouse, and she evaluated grazing rules.
Her resignation from the BLM directorship was met with surprise. Liz Thomas, an attorney with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, said Clarke's resignation is an opportunity now for the Bush administration to appoint someone who is "thoughtful and balanced" in conserving public lands while making plans for development.
Thomas said Clarke's tenure was the "most aggressive on development" and that "nothing was off limits" for energy development, road building or recreational-vehicle use.
"Everything was on the chopping block," Thomas said.
Thomas said no one at the BLM was really taking into account other values of public lands beyond their development potential for energy and other uses. She said she doubted anyone in Utah would want roads or energy facilities next to the "iconic" landscapes found throughout the state.
E-mail: suzanne@desnews.com
Comments
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling 1:19 a.m.
- Brems outlasts 2nd round of votes 1:04 a.m.
- 2 families divided over slaying 1:04 a.m.
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper 1:03 a.m.
- Nature's Way leaving Utah County 1:03 a.m.
- 'Grandfamilies' a growing trend 12:31 a.m.
- 'Cyber Monday' sales top records 12:29 a.m.
- 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game 12:26 a.m.
- No drugs in driver of Am.F. band bus 12:15 a.m.
- Governor Mansion to begin free tours 12:14 a.m.
- Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
- Y. student vanished in China
- Utes won't respond to Hall
- Max Hall issues apology
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
- Cougs begin bowl preparations
- Mitchell called intelligent, controlling
- Teen shot in scuffle with trooper
- Matthews passes new Jazz tests
- Daughter: Mitchell fed me my pet
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
898 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
481 - Max Hall issues apology
379 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
370 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
316 - Utes won't respond to Hall
257 - BYU is champion of the state
140 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
121 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
120 - Religion in politics is tiresome
110
Live 'Twittologue' Dec. 2, 4:00 p.m. with Jason Chaffetz. Click for more.
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
There are some games I love not on your list. Arkham Asylum for one.
Our parents made my brothers help kill and clean our rabbits before we ate...
Why would you keep it open? I would understand if there was a lot of amazing...
The government will run our health care well? Read Reader's Digest, November...
TCU stomped on the MWC so they are naturally ready to crush Florida, Alabama...
could you understand Dave Locke any more than my mom does and she is not even...
Attending the ND/BYU game 3 years ago in south bend, a couple of things stuck...
I missed the game, actually i heard a little bit of Locke on the radio (man...
quotes were good: Article was dumb and unnecessary.
I believe the art depicting Joseph looking at the plates may possibly be...



You can be the first to comment on this story.