New Director of St. Louis County’s Land and Minerals Department

Jason Meyer has been chosen as the new Director of St. Louis County’s Land & Minerals Department. Meyer has worked for St. Louis County since 1995, beginning as a Forestry Technician Trainee before being promoted to a variety of roles. He most recently served as the department’s Deputy Director.

As Director, Meyer will lead a staff of 47 in the Land and Minerals Department who are responsible for managing approximately 900,000 acres of tax forfeited trust and county owned forest lands for the benefit of the people of St. Louis County. The majority of this land is sustainably managed for productive and healthy forests, maintaining access to the county’s mineral wealth, as well as to preserve or create recreation opportunities for public use. The Department also offers certain lands for sale through public auction including recent and new tax forfeited parcels that the Department is mandated to offer by Minnesota law and surplus parcels that do not fit in the county’s long term management plans. The Department’s land sales are a way to encourage development and increase the county’s property tax base.

Meyer is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in Forest Resources and has extensive experience in timber program management, silvicultural activities, and land management. Additionally, he is seen as a regional leader, serving on work groups and committees with a focus on public land management and in partnership with many conservation and trade organizations.

“Jason has dedicated his career to strengthening the forests in St. Louis County and our contributions to the wood products industry,” said Kevin Gray, St. Louis County Administrator. “He has demonstrated leadership within the department and has formed strong working relationships with state and public agencies, and with private sector business owners. “

Meyer replaces Julie Marinucci, who was recently promoted to the role of Deputy County Administrator-Citizen Services & Intergovernmental.