BLM Seeks Citizen Advisors in Oregon
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking applicants for positions on Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) in central and eastern Oregon. These RACs advise and recommend management strategies for federal lands east of the Cascade Range administered by the BLM and the US Forest Service. The John Day-Snake RAC and the Southeast Oregon RAC each have five terms expiring in September. Nominations for these key advisors will be accepted through May 10, 2010. “I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees, and I know that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar shares my view of their importance," said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency's ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations." 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. Interest areas on the RAC include three categories: Category One: Public land ranchers 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. Individuals may nominate themselves or others, and current members whose terms expire this year may be renominated. Candidates must reside in the State where the Council has jurisdiction. For a nomination form or additional information, please contact Pam Robbins, Bureau of Land Management, (pam_robbins @ or.blm.gov), P.O. Box 2965 Portland, Oregon 97208, (503) 808- 6306; online at blm.gov/or/rac/index.php; or your local BLM District Office.
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.