BLM Colorado Announces Appointments to Southwest Resource Advisory Council

Organization

BLM

BLM Office:

Southwest District Office

Media Contact:

Shannon Borders

MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management today announced appointments of members to its citizen-based Southwest Resource Advisory Council, which advises the agency on public land management issues in Colorado. The Southwest RAC is composed of members with diverse interests and backgrounds.

“Resource Advisory Councils are a cross section of our partners and stakeholders, embodying the Bureau of Land Management’s collaborative approach to public land issues,” said Ruth Welch, BLM Colorado State Director. “I’m excited to work with our new Southwest Resource Advisory Council members and applaud their commitment to public service.”

The BLM has established 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. The RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the BLM carry out its nation-wide stewardship of 245 million acres – the largest land portfolio of any Federal agency.

Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members who represent stakeholder interests in public land management, such as conservationists, outdoor recreationists, ranchers, industry officials, tribal leaders, state and local government officers, academics and others.

The BLM, an agency of the Interior Department, is responsible for managing various uses – such as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development and energy production – while conserving the land’s natural, historical and cultural resources.

Below are the newly appointed or newly re-appointed members of the Southwest Resource Advisory Council

  • Lori Buck of Fruita is appointed to represent outdoor recreation.
  • John Justman of Fruita is appointed to represent Mesa County.
  • Joseph Neuhof of Grand Junction is appointed to represent dispersed recreation.
  • John Potter of Loma is appointed to represent off-highway vehicle users.
  • Tif Rodriquez of Mancos is appointed to represent wild horse and burro interest groups.
  • Mark Roeber of Delta is appointed to represent Federal grazing permits or leases.
  • Kathy Welt of Hotchkiss is appointed to represent energy and mineral development.
  • Ernie Williams of Dove Creek is appointed to represent Dolores County.
  • Christi Zeller of Durango is appointed to represent interests of the public.

For more information about the Southwest Resource Advisory Council, go tohttps://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/colorado/southwest-rac.

 


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.