For Immediate Release: March 12, 2003
Contact: Vaughn Whatley 303.239.3766
Barb Perkins 303.239.3668

 BLM SEEKS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

   Resource Advisory Council Nomination form (.txt) or  (.doc)
   Form Instructions: 
Right click to download .txt .wpd or .doc form, 
select Save Target As to save form and fill out on your computer

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking nominations to fill openings on three Resource Advisory Councils (RAC) in Colorado. The councils provide advice and recommendations to BLM on the use and management of 8.4 million acres of public lands in the state.

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 to BLM on the broad array of resource, social, and economic issues that confront land managers and local communities.

Colorado State Director Ron Wenker appreciates the contributions made by current and previous members. "RAC members represent a broad array of backgrounds, interests, and experience. With BLM’s diverse responsibilities, RAC members have opportunities 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 solutions 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.

Colorado’s Northwest RAC, Southwest RAC, and Front Range RAC have vacancies in all three categories.

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 usually occur no more often than every other 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.

 For additional information, please contact:

BLM Northwest RAC, Attention: Steven Hall, e-mail steven_hall@co.blm.gov
2815 H Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506 (Phone 970.244.3052)

BLM Southwest RAC, Attention: Steven Hall, e-mail steven_hall@co.blm.gov
2815 H Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506 (Phone 970.244.3052)

BLM Front Range RAC, Attention: Ken Smith, e-mail ken_smith@co.blm.gov
3170 E. Main St., CaZon City, CO 81212 (Phone 719.269.8553)

BLM Colorado State Office, Attention: Barb Perkins, e-mail barb_perkins@co.blm.gov
2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215 (Phone 303.239.3668)

Nominations will be accepted through April 21, 2003.