For Immediate Release:  March 10, 2000
Contact: Sheri Bell (303) 239.3670

BLM SEEKS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Director Ann Morgan is seeking nominations to fill openings on BLM’s three Resource Advisory Councils (RAC). The councils provide advice and recommendations to BLM on the use and management of 8.3 million acres of public lands in Colorado.

In 1995, BLM established councils in Colorado representing three geographic areas: Northwest, Southwest, and Front Range. The RACs enable citizens to have a meaningful say in how public lands are managed. Members give advice on the broad array of resource, social, and economic issues that confront land managers and local communities.

Ann Morgan applauds the contribution of current and previous members. "The RACs consistently prove to be a good sounding board on a variety of issues. With BLM’s diverse responsibilities, council members get an opportunity to advise us on interesting, and often complex, issues."

The councils operate on principles of collaboration and consensus. Members are sought who are committed to working together with other interests for the long term benefit of public lands and the people who enjoy and rely on them. Each council consists of 15 members, selectively balanced and representative of three general interest groups:

Group 1 - holders of federal grazing permits/leases; representatives of mining, timber, off-road vehicle use, and commercial recreation;

Group 2 - representatives of recognized national or regional environmental or resource conservation organizations; archeological and historical interests; wild horse and burro groups; and dispersed recreational activities;

Group 3 - state, county, or local elected officials; employees of state agencies responsible for management of natural resources, land or water; representatives of Indian tribes; academicians involved in natural sciences, and the public at large.

Qualifications for RAC membership are based on the nominee’s:

education, training, or experience to give informed, objective advice on an industry, discipline, or interest;

experience or knowledge of the geographical area the council serves;

demonstrated commitment to collaboration in seeking solution to resource management issues.

Council members must be residents of Colorado. Each year, one-third of the membership is up for renewal or replacement. Terms are for three years.

The Northwest RAC has two openings in Group One; two openings in Group Two; and one opening in Group Three. This RAC also has one opening in Category 3 for one year to fill an uncompleted term of a member who resigned.

The Southwest RAC has one opening in Group One; two openings in Group Two; and two openings in Group Three.

The Front Range RAC has three openings in Group One; one opening in Group Two; and one opening in Group Three. In addition, the Front Range RAC has one opening in Category 3 to fill two years of an uncompleted term of a member who resigned.

BLM provides training on resource science and management issues to all council members. Members serve without monetary compensations, but are reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses.

Members are expected to attend RAC meetings called by the designated federal officer. Meetings often occur as frequently as once a month. Location of the meetings could vary throughout the state, and may include tours. Meetings will normally be held Monday through Friday, and may last more than one day.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Letters of reference from the interests or organizations the nominee wishes to represent must accompany the nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through April 20, 2000.

The State Director will consult with the Governor prior to forwarding the recommendations of the Secretary of the Interior for his final decision on appointments.

Nomination forms and additional information are available from the following:

BLM Northwest Center, Attention: Lynn Barclay, e-mail

455 Emerson St., Craig, CO 81625 (Phone 970.826.5096) or

Attention: Dave Atkins, e-mail

2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506 (Phone 970.244.3074)

BLM Southwest Center, Attention: Roger Alexander, e-mail

2465 Townsend Ave., Montrose CO 81401 (Phone 970.240.5335)

BLM Front Range Center, Attention: Ken Smith, e-mail

3170 E. Main St., Cañon City, CO 81212 (Phone 719.269.8553)

BLM Colorado State Office, Attention: Sheri Bell, e-mail

2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215 (Phone 303.239.3670)

You may download the nomination form, which follows. An original signature is required, so you will need to mail your form and supporting documentation to the appropriate office.

Resource Advisory Council

Nomination/Background Information Form

Name of council to be considered for: (Circle One)

Front Range Council Northwest Council Southwest Council

Nominee's Full Name:

Home Address: Business Address

Home Phone: ( )

Business phone: ( )

Occupation/Title:

Education: (Colleges, degrees, major field of study)

Career Highlights: significant related experience, civic and professional activities, elected office and when term expires, prior advisory committee experience or career achievements related to the interest to be represented:

NOMINEE QUALIFICATIONS

Education, training and/or experience:

Experience or knowledge of the council's geographic area of jurisdiction:

Experience in working with diverse groups to achieve collaborative solutions (e.g., civic organizations, planning commissions, school boards):

Area of Interest to be Represented: (please check NO MORE THAN 2)

Group 1

[ ] Holder of Federal grazing permit/lease

[ ] Transportation/rights of way

[ ] Developed outdoor recreation

[ ] Off-highway vehicle user

[ ] Commercial/Developed recreation activity

[ ] Commercial timber industry

[ ] Energy/mineral development

Group 2

[ ] National/regional recognized environmental/resource conservation organizations.

[ ] National/regional recognized wild horse/burro groups

[ ] Archeological or historical interest

[ ] Dispersed recreational activity

Group 3

[ ] Holder of state/county/local elected office

[ ] State agency employee in field of natural resources/land/water

[ ] Indian tribes

[ ] Academicians of natural resource/science

[ ] Public-at-large

List any BLM permits, leases or licenses that you hold:

VERY IMPORTANT: REGULATIONS REQUIRE THAT LETTERS OF REFERENCE FROM THOSE INTEREST ENTITIES AND GROUPS THE NOMINEE INTENDS TO REPRESENT, MUST ACCOMPANY THIS NOMINATION FORM.

Nominated By:(include Name, Address and phone number)

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

The authority to request this information is contained in 5 U.S.C. 301, the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and Part 1784 of Title 43, Code of Federal Regulations. It is used by the appointing officer to determine education, training, and experience related to possible service on an advisory council of the Bureau of Land Management. If you are appointed to the Council, the information will be retained by the appointing official as long as you serve. Otherwise, it will be destroyed or returned (if requested) within 60 days following announcement of the Council appointments. By signing this statement you also give BLM permission to publicly release the information you provide on this form. Completion of this form is voluntary. However, failure to complete any or all items will inhibit fair evaluation of your qualifications, and could result in your not receiving full consideration for appointment.

SIGNATURE: DATE:

Send this signed and dated form with LETTERS OF REFERENCE AND ANY ATTACHMENTS to the appropriate office below:

FRONT RANGE COUNCIL NORTHWEST COUNCIL SOUTHWEST COUNCIL

BLM Center Manager BLM Center Manager BLM Center Manager

Attn: RAC Nomination Attn: RAC Nomination Attn: RAC Nomination

3170 East Main Street 2815 H Road 2465 South Townsend

Cañon City, CO 81212 Grand Junction, CO 81506 Montrose, CO 81401

or

455 Emerson Street

Craig, CO 81625

CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

KEN SMITH

DAVE ATKINS

ROGER ALEXANDER

970.240.5335

or

LYNN BARCLAY

970.826.5096