BLM Seeks Nominations to Colorado Resource Advisory Councils
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DENVER - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for positions for its Southwest Colorado and Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Councils (RACs). These citizen-based councils assist in the development of recommendations that address public land management issues.
The BLM maintains RACs chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Federal Policy and Land Management Act (FLPMA) across the West. Each RAC consists of 10- to 15-members from diverse interests in local communities, and they assist in the development of recommendations that address public land management issues.
“The feedback provided by Resource Advisory Councils on current issues, concerns, and proposals, allows the BLM to improve our management of public land,” said BLM State Director Jamie Connell. “Our goal is to ensure that our RAC members encompass a variety of perspectives and backgrounds.”
The BLM maintains RACs as a means of gaining expert advice, ideas, and diverse opinions on issues including land use planning, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, oil and gas exploration, noxious weed management, grazing issues, and wild horse and burro herd management issues. The RACs support the Bureau’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for all citizens through the balanced stewardship of America's public lands and resources.
Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on a RAC. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be reviewed based on their training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographic area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. Letters of reference should accompany all nominations from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.
The descriptions for RAC positions are as follows:
- Category One – Representatives of organizations associated with energy/mineral development; federal grazing permit holders; the timber industry; transportation or rights-of-way; off-highway vehicles users; and commercial and developed outdoor recreation.
- Category Two – Representatives of archeological and historic organizations; dispersed recreation users; wild horse and burros organizations; and nationally or regionally-recognized environmental organizations.
- Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; Indian tribes located within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; academicians employed in natural resource management or natural sciences; employees of a state agency responsible for management of natural resources; and the public at large.
As published in a notice in today’s Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 30 days. To access the nomination application, go to http://ow.ly/iSks50EOMqr. For more information about serving on the Southwest RAC, contact Shawn Reinhardt at 970-240-5339 or sreinhardt@blm.gov. For the Rocky Mountain RAC, contact Cathy Cook at 719-269-8554 or ccook@blm.gov. More information about the RACs is available at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/colorado.
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.