< All Press Releases

Salem, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently announced that it is seeking public nominations for five positions on the Northwest Oregon Resource Advisory Council.

The Council provides advice and recommendations for the BLM to consider on a range of resource and land management issues. It consists of 15 members from diverse interests in local communities. Established by charter, the Council is critical in assisting the BLM in continuing to be a good neighbor in the communities that the agency serves.

“The Northwest Oregon RAC serves as an important forum for community conversations that are a key component of public land management,” said Designated Federal Official for the Northwest Oregon RAC, Jose Linares. “By ensuring that RAC representation reflects a variety of perspectives, Council members provide a valuable service to the Bureau by delving into issues and proposing solutions on recreation fees, the allocation of Secure Rural Schools funding, and a variety of other topics.”

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on the Council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be reviewed on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the Council’s geographic area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. Letters of reference must accompany all nominations, along with a completed RAC application and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

Positions are open in the following categories:

• Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the commercial 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, Alaska Natives as appropriate to the state of Alaska; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at- large.

As published in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 45 days (until June 4, 2018). For more information, please contact Northwest Oregon RAC Coordinator Jennifer Velez at (541) 222-9241 or jvelez@blm.gov.