When did you begin working for OSM?
1987

What locations have you worked, and what did you do?
I have worked at the Western Regional Coordinating Center in Denver, Colorado as the Reclamation Bonding Specialist. I reviewed bonds for mines under OSM's jurisdiction on Indian Lands and in Washington State. Another major responsibility was providing expert technical assistance on bonding to States, other OSM offices, and at times, the Solicitors Office. I presented special training programs on bonding to State staff involved in minerals mining and environmental programs and served as an expert witness for Minnesota at a hearing on the State's bonding regulations for non-coal mining. I served on the national OSM bonding team, and in the early days participated in program evaluation of State bonding programs. I have had the opportunity to speak on bonding topics at ASSMR conferences, the Billings Symposia, and Colorado Mining Association meetings, among others. I taught the bonding course for OSM's National Technical Training Program for many years as lead instructor.

Looking back, what was your most memorable event(s) while with OSM?
Among my most memorable events are all the places I have traveled to for OSM and all the people I have met all over the nation involved in SMCRA-related programs and activities. My very first assignment, after being on board for only one month, was Alaska bonding oversight. This was memorable because of the beautiful location and the challenge of the work. Another memorable event was when I and a Division chief and another staff person traveled to a bank to present a $3 million letter of credit for payment. We hand-delivered the letter of credit and the bank refused to pay becuase,they said, "we don't know what 30 CFR is or means." (Were they bluffing?). Needless to say, this was upsetting. Eventually the bank chose to renew the letter of credit rather than pay OSM the $3 million they knew they'd have to pay.

What were the most significant accomplishments you had?
One of my most significant accomplishments is helping develop and teach the Bonding Administration course for OSM's National Technical Training Program. The technical training program expands the knowledge and skills of State and OSM people involved in administering all the varied aspects of SMCRA and State Programs. I came to OSM with six years of specialized bonding experience gained at the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. With this background, I was able to be of service right away in the area of bond review and technical assistance. I believe this strenghthened OSM's bonding program at WRCC. Bonding is the cornerstone of SMCRA. Whatever activities and expertise contribute to successful bonding programs is to be commended. This includes technical training, technical assistance, and quality bond reviews.