BLM announces Steens Mountain Advisory Council June Meeting
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Hines, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management announced today the Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC) has scheduled a June 2023 field tour and meeting. The public is welcome to participate in the field tour to the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area on Thursday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT. On Friday, June 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT, the public can attend the public meeting in person at the Frenchglen School, 39235 Highway 205 Frenchglen, Oregon, or online through the Zoom for Government platform. Meeting details and the online attendance link are available at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/steens-mac.
On June 15, the SMAC will tour the greater Steens Mountain area. Locations may vary depending on road, weather, and access conditions, but could include the Riddle Brothers Ranch, Page Springs Weir, or fuels treatment project sites. The public is welcome to attend but must provide their own personal transportation and amenities like appropriate clothing and footwear, food, and water. High clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
The June 16 agenda includes information sharing from the Designated Federal Official and Andrews/Steens Field Manager, a brief recreation program update, discussion on the Bridge Creek Area Allotment Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement, and an opportunity for committee members to share information from their constituents or present research. Any other matters that may reasonably come before the SMAC may also be included.
“The SMAC is a forum for the community to participate in the land management process,” said Jeff Rose, Burns District Manager and Designated Federal Official for the SMAC. “If you are interested in public land decisions for Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to listen and share with a collaborative group,” continued Rose.
A public comment period will be available on Friday, June 16 at 11 a.m. Unless otherwise approved by the Council chair, the public comment period will last no longer than 30 minutes, and each speaker may address the SMAC for a maximum of five minutes.
Sessions may end early if all business items are accomplished ahead of schedule or may be extended if discussions warrant more time.
For more information about the Steens Mountain Advisory Council, please contact Tara Thissell at 541-573-4519 or tthissell@blm.gov. Additional information about the Steens Mountain Advisory Council is available online at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/steens-mac.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.