Applicants Sought for Recreation Resource Advisory Committee

LAKEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 22, 2006 – The Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region and Colorado Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are seeking nominations to fill 11 positions on a Recreation Resource Advisory Council (Recreation RAC). The Council will provide the agencies with recommendations on recreation fee matters for federal lands in Colorado.

The creation of the Recreation RAC is a requirement of the 2004 Federal Lands FS & BLM Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), which helps the agencies deliver high-quality recreation services and facilities for public land visitors.

“Many recreation opportunities on our forests are free of charge,” said Regional Forester Rick Cables. “Modest fees, however, are charged for sites where amenities are provided to enhance the quality of the recreation experience.” Examples of amenities include items such as picnic tables, trash collection, restroom facilities, potable water,boat ramps, and interpretive exhibits.

“The new Recreation RAC, will help the BLM and Forest Service implement the provisions of the Recreation Enhancement Act with the help of those who enjoy recreation activities on Federal lands,” said Sally Wisely, Colorado BLM State Director. “Recreation RACs will play a vital role in helping us to achieve public satisfaction and participation.”

All Recreation RAC meetings will be open to the public and an open public forum is planned during each meeting.

Council members will be recommended to the Regional Forester for appointment based on the following evaluation criteria:

· Does the person represent an interest group and how they are qualified to represent that group.
· Why they want to serve on the committee and what they can contribute.
· What is the person’s past experience in working successfully as part of a collaborative group

People selected for positions will initially serve two or three-year terms and can apply to serve a subsequent three-year term.

Additional information about recreation fees and REA is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/about-rec-fees.shtml.

Persons interested in serving on the Recreation RAC may review the application criteria and obtain a nomination packet at: http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/rrac-application.shtml or by contacting Pamela Devore at 303-275-5043 or pdevore@fs.fed.us. Letters of recommendation are welcome, but not required. Submit packet to Pamela Devore, U.S. Forest Service, Recreation Fee Manager, P.O. Box 25127, Lakewood, CO 80225. Nominations for these positions will be accepted through (insert date).

-BLM-

Note to editors: The following sidebar information provides additional selection criteria.

Potential nominees must represent certain interests as described in the December 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA). These interests are:

· Five people will represent recreation users who participate in activities such as summer and winter motorized and non-motorized recreation, and hunting and fishing;
· Three people who represent, as appropriate, the following recreation interest groups: motorized and non-motorized outfitting and guiding as well as environmental groups; and
· Three people who represent:
· State tourism
· Indian tribes
· Local government.