Advisory Councils to BLM still have vacancies to fill

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Oregon has extended its call for nominations for its Resource Advisory Councils (RACs). The John Day-Snake and Southeast Oregon RACs advise and recommend management strategies for Federal lands east of the Cascade Range administered by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service. Applications will be accepted through July 8, 2011. The RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The 15 members of each RAC include people from many walks of life, such as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The informed input from RAC members helps the BLM toward its mission of managing the legacy of our public lands for multiple uses. “I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees, and I know that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar shares my view of their importance,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work, and enjoy recreation on or near BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations.” Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on a RAC. Nominees must reside in one of the states within the RAC’s jurisdiction, and will be judged based on their training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus-building and collaborative decision-making. Applicants must submit a completed background information nomination form and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. Letter(s) of reference are required from the interests or organizations an applicant wishes to represent. Vacancies for the two Oregon RACs currently include these interest areas in the three categories: Category I – Transportation/rights-of-way, energy/minerals, or commercial recreation/off-highway vehicle users. Category II – National or regional environmental organizations, wild horse & burro, or dispersed recreation activities. Category III – State, county, or local elected official; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the RAC; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. For forms or more information, please contact Pam Robbins, P.O. Box 2965, 333 SW First Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204. Her email address is pam_robbins@blm.gov Completed application packets should be returned to Mrs. Robbins at the address above by July 8, 2011.