For release: Monday, October 21, 2002
Contact: Ken Smith 719.269.8553
              Barb Perkins 303.239.3670

Interior Secretary Gale Norton has announced the appointment of several new members to Colorado's three citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils (RAC) that advise the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on public land issues.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of these talented individuals to serve on Colorado's Resource Advisory Councils," Norton said. "We are excited because each RAC member brings a local perspective and diverse background that will assist the BLM in our mission of consultation, cooperation, and communication - all in the service of conservation."

Composed of citizens appointed for their expertise in natural resource issues, the councils aim to improve the health and productivity of the public lands in the state. Each RAC provides counsel and advice to the Secretary of the Interior through BLM's field managers concerning planning and management of the public lands within the RAC's jurisdictional boundary.

"I look forward to the fresh perspectives the RAC members will bring to the BLM, as they help us carry out our multiple use mission," said BLM Director Kathleen Clarke. "I am enthusiastic about what the RAC members and the BLM will be able to accomplish, with the addition of new members."

Attached are the members of each RAC - names of new appointments or reappointments are bolded. Information regarding upcoming RAC meetings will be announced as it becomes available.

The BLM, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages more land--262 million surface acres--than any other Federal agency. Most of the country's BLM-managed public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, which has a budget of $1.8 billion and a workforce of 10,000 employees, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the Nation. The BLM's "multiple use" mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The BLM accomplishes this by managing for such resources as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, and energy and mineral development that helps meet the nation's energy needs, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on the public lands.

BLM Colorado Resource Advisory Councils

Names in bold type are new or reappointed members.