For Release: October 28, 2005
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332, Jan Bedorsian (916) 978-4616
CASO-06-02

Secretary Norton Announces New Appointments to BLM Resource Advisory Councils

Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced today the appointment of five new members to three of California's regional, citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils, which advise the Bureau of Land Management on public land issues.

"I welcome our new members to the Resource Advisory Councils and commend them for their commitment," Norton said. "I look forward to their advice and recommendations as we work together to improve the health and productivity of our public lands."

The BLM's advisory councils (RACs), composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the agency carry out its stewardship of 261 million acres of public lands. The bureau, which manages more land than any other federal agency, has 24 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Council members serve three-year terms and can apply for reappointment.

"The work of the Resource Advisory Councils is a prime example of cooperative conservation," Norton noted. "This unique partnership strengthens our management efforts and helps to promote citizen stewardship."

BLM Director Kathleen Clarke said, "RAC members come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of perspectives to each of our councils. This diversity results in a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses." The BLM, an agency of the Department of the Interior, is responsible for managing these various uses - such as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production - while conserving the land's natural, historical, and cultural resources.

Below are the newly appointed members of Northwest, Northeast and Central California councils. Information about upcoming RAC meetings will be announced as soon as it becomes available.

Central California Resource Advisory Council:

James Haagen-Smit of Newcastle, California representing recreation interests
Lee Stetson of Mariposa, California as a representative of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors
Paul McFarland of Bishop, California representing environmental interests

Reappointed are David Kilpatrick of Bakersfield representing energy and minerals and Mary Gorden of Lemon Grove as a representative of archaeological and historical organizations.

Northeast California resource Advisory Council:

Rosalee Bradley of Janesville, California representing recreation interests

Reappointments are Skip Willmore of Burney representing the timber industry, Martin Balding of Susanville for environmental organizations, Henricus Jansen a representative for academic organizations and Tim Garrod as a representative of public interest groups.

Northwest California Resource Advisory Council:

Kendall Smith of Fort Bragg, California as a representative of the Mendocino Board of Supervisors.

Reappointments are Don Klusman of Yuba City as a representative for commercial recreation organizations, Ryan Hensen of Redding as a representative of environmental groups and William Radtkey of Ukiah representing public interest groups.

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