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REDDING, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public nominations for positions on 27 Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) nationwide, which include five vacant positions with the Northern California RAC. These citizen-based committees assist in the development of recommendations that address public land management issues.

The BLM maintains 37 such advisory committees formally chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Federal Policy and Land Management Act (FLPMA) across the West. Of those committees, 31 are RACs and the remainder are site or subject-specific advisory councils. 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.

As published in the Federal Register, the Northern California RAC is considering nominations submitted now until Feb. 24 in the following categories: 

• There is one opening in membership category one, which includes 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.
• There are two openings in category two, which includes representatives of archeological and historic organizations dispersed recreation users, wild horse and burros organizations, and nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations. 
• There are two openings in category three, which includes 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.

 “Our RACs provide vital feedback on current issues, concerns and proposals, and enable us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands,” said Northern California District Manager Alan Bittner. “Our goal is to ensure that the membership our RACs encompasses a wide variety of perspectives and backgrounds to guide our work as effectively as possible.”

The RAC meets in formal session two to three times per year throughout the Northern California District.  The council’s 15 members serve three-year terms and may be nominated for reappointment for an additional three-year term.  Council members serve without compensation other than travel expenses. 

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 must accompany all nominations from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

Nominations should be sent to Bureau of Land Management, 2550 Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130, Attention:  Jeff Fontana (RAC nominations).  Nominations and supporting materials can be sent via email to jfontana@blm.gov.