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BLM DAILY STORIES

I AM BLM: Angela LoSasso, Planning and Environmental Coordinator,
Uncompahgre Field Office

17

by Eng, Lissa M
on 3/11/2015 3:10 AM
Category: Colorado

Note: The BLM fulfills its far-reaching mission each day with a workforce whose talents and backgrounds are as diverse as the
landscapes and resources they manage. I AM BLM stories feature BLM employees from varied backgrounds and jobs all a part of
the collective BLM story. Contact your local external affairs staff with story ideas for this biweekly series.

Angela LoSasso, Planning and Environm ental Coordinator, Uncom pahgre Field Office

Where do you work and how does your job help fulfill the BLM mission?
I am currently acting as the Planning and Environmental Coordinator project lead for the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area's
(D-E NCA) Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. This land use plan directly fulfills the BLM's mission to
manage public lands collaboratively for sustained multiple uses. The D-E NCA and Dominguez Canyon Wilderness were designated in 2009
for their outstanding natural and cultural resources. The area is a popular local recreation area for off-highway vehicles, boating on the
Gunnison River, horseback riding, camping, hiking, mountain biking and hunting. In addition to a wide array of recreational uses, the NCA is
an important resource for local sheep and cattle producers. It also contains unique archaeological, paleontological, geological and scenic
resources, provides opportunities for scientific achievement and education, and is home to abundant wildlife, including several special status
animals and plants.
Over the last four years, we have worked extensively with the D-E NCA Advisory Council, local governments and interested groups and
individuals to craft a land use plan that fulfills our mission to manage for all of these resources and resource-uses. The time and attention of
the BLM staff who have worked on this plan is commendable and truly demonstrates the high level of commitment and professionalism that is
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typical of our agency. I have been fortunate to step into the role as planning lead on such a dynamic project as we move toward finalization of
the RMP/FEIS in late 2015.
What previous experience/education prepared you for the job?
Prior to becoming a federal land manager, I had a career in high-end hospitality. I find that the public communication skills I gained in that
career are very valuable as a land manager. The ability to communicate effectively with people from varying backgrounds, who sometimes
have conflicting viewpoints and goals, is a skill I use every day. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management from
Oregon State University, was a US Forest Service (USFS) SCEP intern, and served in the USFS as a Rangeland Management Specialist
from 2007-2011. I came to the BLM in 2012 as a range specialist in the Uncompahgre Field Office in southwestern Colorado. I absolutely
love working for the BLM and have had fantastic opportunities to train, learn and explore new career paths.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the people! I enjoy both the BLM family as well as the folks I work with in other federal, state and local
governments. I also genuinely enjoy working with public land users such as recreation groups, special interest groups, ranchers and
individuals who value the special, uniquely American resource that is federally managed land.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
In a time of declining budgets, the most difficult part of my job is getting more work done with less time and less staff.
What brought you to the BLM?
I came to the BLM from USFS, initially because I am a Colorado native and wanted to move back to my home state. The position I found here
was with the BLM, and I jumped on it. Now that I am with the BLM, I don't ever want to leave!
What is an interesting or fun fact about yourself?
After graduating from high school, I was a theatre major at a liberal arts college. I love participating in community theatre and have been
active in troupes whenever possible. I am hoping my next BLM position will be in a location where I can once again get involved in acting, set
and costume design, as well as youth participation in the performing arts.

The Dom inguez-Escalante NCA is a beautiful area and has a range of recreational opportunities-- visitors can horseback ride, rappel dow n a quarry w all, and float dow n the
Gunnison River. Angela is charged w ith ensuring these resources are protected in the current planning effort for the area.

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Re: I AM BLM: Angela LoSasso, Planning and Environmental Coordinator, Uncompahgre Field Office
Way to go Angie!
Sharrow , Barbara L

on 3/11/2015 8:42 AM

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