For Release: Oct. 8, 2004
Contact: John Scull (916) 985-4474
CCal-04-02

NEW MEMBERS NAMED TO BLM CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Bureau of Land Management's Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) has welcomed two new members, following appointments by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton.

Don Edward Robinson of Foresthill in Placer County, a professional miner and mining consultant, was named to a three-year term representing energy and mineral development interests. Leigh Marymor of Berkeley will represent the public at large.

In addition to the new appointments, Secretary Norton reappointed two council members. Mammoth Lakes resident Mary Canada will again represent environmental concerns and Walt Pachucki of Bishop, the current council chairperson, will continue to represent the public at large.

"We are pleased to welcome these new members, and to continue working with veteran members of the council," said BLM California State Director Mike Pool. "Our advisory councils provide expert advise to me and the BLM's field managers about the best ways to manage the public's lands and natural resources."

Secretary Norton also expressed appreciation for the hard work of the advisory board.

"We value the concerns and input that the councils provide in helping us to manage our public lands," Norton said. "I look forward to their expertise and counsel as we work to improve the health of our public lands."

The Central California RAC consists of 12 members representing a broad array of public land interests, including livestock grazing, recreation, environmental groups, wild horse and burro interests, history and archaeology, local government, the academic sector and the public at large. They provide advice to the BLM by working with managers of the Bakersfield, Hollister, Bishop, and Folsom field offices.

-BLM-

Folsom Field Office - 63 Natoma Stree - Folsom, CA 95630