For Release: Oct. 1, 2004
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-04-3

NEW MEMBERS NAMED TO BLM NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Bureau of Land Management's Northwest California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) is welcoming two new members and two returning members, following appointments by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton.

Redding resident Bob Warren, executive director of the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association, will represent recreation interests on the 12-member council. Lakeport resident Ruth Shriber, a land use planner and landscape architect, was named to the group to represent transportation and rights-of-way interests.

Returning to the council are Stan Leach, a French Gulch timber operator, and Philip Moyer, a Mill Valley artist and land trust member. Leach will continue to represent commercial timber interests, while Moyer continues as a public at large representative.

"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."

Members of the Northwest California RAC represent a broad array of public land interests, including recreation, environmental groups, timber operators, mineral interests, local government, off-highway vehicle users and the public at large. They provide advice to the BLM by working with managers of the Arcata, Redding and Ukiah field offices.

The council's next meeting is Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 8 and 9 at the BLM Arcata Field Office. Their meeting and field tour are open to the public. For more information, contact BLM Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana at (530) 252-5332.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team - 2950 Riverside Drive - Susanville, CA 96130