Jamie Barnes
Gov. Spencer J. Cox has appointed Jamie Barnes as the new commissioner of the Utah Department of Natural Resources, succeeding Joel Ferry.
Barnes' appointment is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.
Barnes is currently the Utah state forester and director of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands. The division administers forestry programs that support healthy forests, manages wildfire response on state and private lands and oversees the use and preservation of Utah's sovereign lands. Barnes assumes her new role Aug. 31.
"Jamie Barnes understands that responsible stewardship requires strong relationships, practical solutions and a willingness to work through difficult issues," said Cox. "She has earned the trust of partners across Utah and brings years of experience managing our forests, wildfire response and state lands. She is exceptionally prepared to lead the Department of Natural Resources and I am grateful she has agreed to serve."
During his tenure, Ferry helped secure record funding for the Great Salt Lake, negotiated agreements that secured significant water rights for the lake, helped launch the governor's Operation Gigawatt initiative and strengthened the management and protection of Utah's natural resources for future generations, the release from the governor's office said.
"I'm grateful for Commissioner Ferry's leadership and for the strong foundation he has built at the department," said Barnes. "I appreciate the governor's confidence in me and am honored by the opportunity to continue serving Utah. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated employees of the Department of Natural Resources and our partners across the state to responsibly manage the lands, water and natural resources Utahns depend on."
Before becoming division director, Barnes managed the division's sovereign lands program. She has worked extensively with state, local and federal agencies, landowners and other stakeholders to develop solutions to complex natural resource and land management issues. Barnes joined the division in 2011 as a paralegal, focusing on complex legal matters. She began her career in the private legal sector, where she gained experience in criminal and civil law.
Barnes holds a master's degree in natural resources from the University of Idaho and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Weber State University.
