For Immediate Release: September 21, 2004 CA-CCal-04-65
Contact: John Scull (916) 985-4474

Secretary Norton Announces Appointments to BLM Central Resource Advisory Council

Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced today the appointment of a new member and three reappointments to the California citizen-based Central Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the Bureau of Land Management on public land issues.

Helen D. May, a retired librarian from San Luis Obispo was named to a three-year term representing the public-at-large. She will bring her experience as a former elected local official, and knowledge of a wide range of issues to the RAC.

In addition to the new appointment, Secretary Norton reappointed three council members for three-year terms. Kern County rancher Carl F. Twisselman of Bakersfield will continue to represent the livestock permit holders, businessman Dwight F. McNaughton of Bakersfield will represent energy and mineral interests, and wildlife biologist William J. Vanherweg of Bakersfield will continue to provide environmental expertise.

"We are pleased to welcome the new member, and to continue working with veteran members of the council," said BLM California State Director Mike Pool. "Our advisory councils provide expert advice 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 Folsom, Bakersfield, Bishop, and Hollister field offices. For more information see http://www.ca.blm.gov/news/rac.html.

-BLM-

Folsom Field Office, 63 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630
Visit our web site: www.ca.blm.gov/folsom