For Immediate Release: August 31, 2004
Contact: Mel Lloyd: 970-244-3097

New appointments announced to BLM Northwest and Southwest Resource Advisory Councils

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced the appointment of several new members to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) 24 Resource Advisory Councils (RAC). These citizen-based RACs provide counsel and advice on public land planning and management within each RAC’s jurisdictional boundary.

Western Slope BLM and U.S. Forest Service field offices alike work closely with the Northwest and Southwest RACs to improve the health and productivity of public lands across western Colorado. Furthering Secretary Norton’s 4-C’s philosophy of cooperation, consultation and communication—all in the name of conservation—these 15-member RACs, operating on principles of collaboration and consensus, are composed of Western Slope citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues.

"As representatives of the public, RAC members provide BLM with candid feedback on a wide range of management issues," said newly appointed Southwest RAC Lead Designated Federal Officer (DFO) Barbara Sharrow. Northwest RAC Lead DFO John Husband added, "The diversity of the Western Slope RAC members provides us with a balanced view in carrying out BLM’s multiple-use mission."

Five individuals were reappointed to a 3-year term on the Northwest RAC:

David P. Bailey, Category 2—Archaeological/Historical Interests
Jeff Comstock, Category 3—Public-at-Large
T. Wright Dickinson, Category 1— Federal Grazing Permittee
Patrick Kennedy, Category 2—Dispersed Recreation
John C. Martin, Category 3—Public-at-Large

The Southwest RAC had two reappointments, with three new members joining this RAC (denoted in bold):

Andrea Robinsong, Category 2—Environmental
Alan Staehle, Category 3—Public-at-Large
Don Bennett, Category 1—Federal Grazing Permittee
Andrew McCleod, Category 1—Commercial Recreation
Ellen R. Stein, Category 3—Public-at-Large

- BLM -