For Immediate Release: Sept. 28, 2004 CA-N-04-107
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332

MEMBERS NAMED TO BLM NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Bureau of Land Management's Northwest California Resource Advisory Council will welcome three new members and one returning member, following appointments by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton.

New members include Charlene Wardlow of Middletown, Michael Kelley of Berkeley and Eugene Parham of Anderson. Wardlow is an engineer working for Calpine Corp. in the Geysers Geothermal Area of Lake and Sonoma counties and will represent energy and mineral interests Kelley is an attorney and recreational trails advocate and will hold a dispersed recreation interests seat. Parham is retired and has interests in water quality, recreation and wild horses and burros. He will hold a public-at-large seat.

Diane Beck of Kneeland was reappointed to an environmental interest group seat. She is a member of the Sierra Club North Coast Chapter.

"We value the input that the resource advisory council provides in helping the BLM manage America's public lands," Norton said. "I welcome our new members, thank them for their commitment, and look forward to their counsel as we work to improve the health and productivity of the public lands."

BLM State Director Mike Pool joined in welcoming the new and returning members.

"We appreciate the council's advice on matters ranging from development of healthy rangeland standards and livestock grazing guidelines to development of guidelines for use of recreation user fees and input on development of several land use plans," he said.

The advisory council advises the secretary of the interior through the BLM, on a wide range of issues involving natural resources and public land management. Members work closely with managers of the BLM Arcata, Redding and Ukiah field offices in reviewing issues and providing advice.

Council members represent a range of public land interests including livestock grazing, the timber industry, transportation and rights of way interests, off highway vehicle recreation, dispersed recreation use, environmental groups, historical and archaeological interests, local government and the public at large. They typically meet quarterly. All meetings are open to the public.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team 2950 Riverside Drive Susanville, CA 96130