For Release: Oct. 1, 2004
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-04-2

NEW MEMBERS NAMED TO BLM NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

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

Valerie Edwards, chairwoman of the Susanville Indian Rancheria, was named to a three-year term representing Tribal interests, and Tulelake farmer Nancy Huffman was appointed to a term representing the public at large. Susanville area rancher Todd Swickard was named to represent federal livestock grazing permit holders. He will complete a partial term created when member Jack Hanson moved to a seat representing local elected officials. Hanson shifted seats after his election to the Lassen County Board of Supervisors.

In addition to the new appointments, Secretary Norton reappointed four council members. Modoc county ranchers Ken McGarva of Likely and John Erquiaga of Lake City will continue to represent livestock grazing permit holders. Placerville resident Lee Chauvet, the current chairman, will continue in his seat representing commercial recreation interests and off-highway vehicle users. Frank Bayham, a professor at California State University, Chico, was reappointed to a position representing historical and archaeological interests.

"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 Northeast California RAC consists of 15 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 Alturas, Eagle Lake (Susanville) and Surprise (Cedarville) field offices.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team 2950 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130