LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management California and the Mendocino National Forest have announced the selection of the new Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument manager.

Kay-Leigh Barnitz will now oversee the monument, created in July 2015 by President Barack Obama and expanded in May by President Joe Biden.

The monument covers 344,476 acres in Lake, Napa, Yolo, Solano, Colusa, Glenn and Mendocino counties.

Two-thirds of the monument is within Lake County alone, and Lucerne has been named the monument’s official gateway community.

BLM said Barnitz’s career in public service and natural resources spans more than 10 years.

“Kay-Leigh is an experienced, dedicated and collaborative leader,” said BLM Central California District Manager Chris Heppe. “Her extensive knowledge of natural resource management and commitment to community partnerships will benefit the Monument’s scenic and biologically diverse landscapes.”

“I am extremely pleased to welcome Kay-Leigh to the region,” said acting Mendocino National Forest Supervisor David Fournier. “I share her excitement for the opportunities here and gratitude for the Monument and the collaboration among our agencies and partners.”

Barnitz has a strong background in natural resource management at the monument. Over the last eight years, as the wildlife biologist for the Ukiah Field Office, she was instrumental in restoring and protecting rare ecosystems in the region including those encompassed by the monument.

She’s now embracing the challenge of overseeing the management of the vast amount of public lands the monument includes.

“The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument encompasses some of the most spectacular landscapes and diverse ecosystems in the country,” Barnitz said. “I am looking forward to continuing my work with the communities of northern California, our partners, and the visitors to ensure this special place is available for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations.”

Barnitz is a self-proclaimed, “Woman of the West.” Originally from New Mexico, she was raised in Oregon and now enjoys life in California.

Her permanent career was first spurred by the BLM’s Direct Hire Authority/Resource Assistant Internship program with the Las Cruces District Office in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

She values the Western lifestyle and loves hiking, riding horses, running her dogs, hunting and snowboarding on public lands.

Barnitz holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from New Mexico State University.