News Release

For Release: April 26, 2002
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 257-5381
CA-N-02-51

DOUG WHITE NAMED CHAIR OF BLM RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

Colusa resident Doug White was named chairman of the Bureau of Land Management's Northwest California Resource Advisory Council, when the group met Thursday, April 25, in Arcata. White, a member of the Colusa County Board of Supervisors, represents local government interests on the 12-member board.

Stan Leach, an independent timber operator from French Gulch, near Redding, was named vice chair. Leach represents timber interests.

In other matters, council members expressed interest in helping the BLM and a Weaverville community group explore options for a proposed land transfer and creation of a community forest. The Weaverville group wants to acquire about 1,000 acres of BLM-managed forest on the southwest side of the community. The area had been targeted for exchange to Sierra Pacific Industries, but the BLM removed the parcel from the exchange proposal as part of the process to equalize exchange values.

The council also heard updates on public land use planning underway in the BLM's Arcata, Redding and Ukiah jurisdictions, and on development of a management plan for the recently created California Coastal National Monument.

The advisory council, one of 25 such boards in the Western U.S., advises BLM managers on a wide range of natural resource and public lands issues in northwest California. Members represent diverse interests including recreation, environmental concerns, off road vehicle use, timber, energy and minerals, livestock grazing, local government and the public at large.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team 2950 Riverside Dr. Susanville, CA 96130