For immediate release:                                  Contact: Jaime Gardner

February 28, 2008                                                       (303-239-3681)

BLM Seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory Councils

The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado announced today that it is seeking public nominations for five open positions on each of its three Resource Advisory Councils, which advise the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after today, when the agency is publishing its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.
 
The BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 258 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 24 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 12 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as ranchers, conservationists, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.
 
Colorado State Director Sally Wisely appreciates the contributions made by current and previous members. “RAC members represent a broad array of backgrounds, interests, and experience,” said Wisely. “With BLM’s diverse responsibilities, RAC members have opportunities to advise us on challenging and complex issues.”
 
Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decisionmaking. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications.
 
The fifteen RAC positions open in Colorado are in the following categories:
Category One – BLM grazing permitees and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.
Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.
Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.
Nominations should be sent by April 14, 2008 to:
 
BLM Northwest RAC, Attention: David Boyd, e-mail david_boyd@blm.gov
50629 Hwy 6 & 24, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601l (Phone 970.947.2832)
 
BLM Southwest RAC, Attention: Melodie Lloyd, e-mail melodie_lloyd@blm.gov
2815 H Rd., Grand Junction, CO 81506 (Phone 970.244.3097)
 
BLM Front Range RAC, Attention: John Dow, e-mail john_r_dow@co.blm.gov
3170 E. Main St., Canon City, CO 81212 (Phone 719.269.8553)

For more information, please contact:

BLM Colorado State Office, Jaime Gardner, e-mail jaime_gardner@blm.gov
2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215 (Phone 303.239.3681)
 
 
– BLM –