A jumble of changes at the nation's land-management agencies leaves two top posts empty. The opening at the Bureau of Land Management will be filled temporarily by Sylvia Baca, a New Mexico native. Baca's permanent job is as deputy assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management, also in the Interior Department. She replaces Michael Dombeck, who will head the Forest Service, replacing former Chief Jack Ward Thomas (HCN, 1/20/97).


At the National Park Service, Roger Kennedy's recent resignation as director creates an opening no one may covet. Whoever gets the post will inherit a large maintenance backlog and the task of managing a steep increase in park use. Kennedy says he will stay on for several months to give the Clinton administration a chance to find a replacement. Because of the recently passed Omnibus Parks bill, Kennedy's replacement will be the first director to require Senate confirmation.


* Sarah Dry