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Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, left, looks at President Bush after Bush introduced him as the nominee for the U.S. Secretary of the Interior in the Oval Office on Thursday, March 16, 2006 in Washington.

Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne chosen as Secretary of the Interior

Dallin Moon MOO00004@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

President Bush selected Dirk Kempthorne as U.S. Secretary of the Interior Thursday. President Bush said the Idaho Governor would bring wide experience to managing public lands, natural resources and national parks.

“Dirk understands that those who live closest to the land know how to manage it best, and he will work closely with state and local leaders to ensure wise stewardship of our resources,” Bush said. “Dirk has had a long and abiding love for nature.”

Idaho Senator Larry Craig said he was pleased with the choice.

I have known and worked with Dirk for many years. He is talented, energetic and understands the issues that surround public lands and endangered species,” Craig said.

The U.S. Department of the Interior manages 504 million acres of surface land including organizations like the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service. It oversees 388 National Parks, 544 wildlife refuges and 824 dams and reservoirs.

The Department of the Interior also strives to protect endangered species and works with 562 federally recognized American Indian tribes.

If the U.S. Senate confirms Gov. Kempthorne, he will replace Gale Norton in the U.S. Cabinet who resigned last week.

Over the past year Kempthorne has been pushing for additional state parks and road systems. Kempthorne has consistently advocated wildlife issues for Idaho. He also took part in a multi-state salmon recovery effort.

Governor Kempthorne graduated from the University of Idaho in 1975 and was elected mayor of Boise in 1986. He served as mayor until 1993, going on to serve six years in the U.S. Senate.