Bureau of Land Management Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council to meet virtually June 24 to 25
Organization
Media Contact:
Medford, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management’s Western Oregon Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will meet virtually June 24 to 25, 2021.
The Western Oregon RAC will be reviewing a business plan to modify fees at day-use sites, campgrounds, and group facilities across the BLM’s Northwest Oregon District. The proposal would modify fees at two existing day-use sites, and 13 campgrounds and group facilities. It would establish new fees at 16 day-use sites, campgrounds, and group facilities that currently do not charge fees. A fee approval is also requested for two campground facilities that are proposed for future development. The Northwest Oregon District is also proposing an annual pass that could be used to cover fees at day-use sites.
The Western Oregon RAC has the authority under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to make formal recommendations on specific recreation fee proposals, an important step ahead of a fee or fee change being implemented. The RAC approval will not result in an immediate increase in fees, but is one important step in the public input process.
In addition, the Western Oregon RAC will be reviewing Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Title II funding proposals and recommending projects for funding. The projects provide community-based solutions to pressing public lands challenges like wildland fire prevention, trash clean-up, watershed restoration, road maintenance, control of noxious weeds and more. Over the years, Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act projects have provided trail maintenance, culvert replacement or removal, soil improvement, vegetation/density management, wildfire hazard reduction, stream channel enhancement, control of noxious and exotic weeds, and opportunities for youth training and employment.
“The Western Oregon RAC is made up of valuable partners who represent the diverse perspectives of Western Oregon communities,” said BLM Medford District Manager Elizabeth Burghard. “Their input on recreation fee proposals is a critical step in collecting fees to help operate, maintain and improve popular recreation sites,” continued Burghard.
The meeting runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day. The meetings are open to the public, with a comment period scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on June 24. Individuals who want to make a statement during the public comment period are encouraged to also submit a written copy of their statement at the meeting for the administrative record.
To participate in the meeting, please register: https://blm.zoomgov.com/ or contact Kyle Sullivan, RAC Coordinator, ksullivan@blm.gov or at (541) 618-2340.
The Western Oregon RAC meets multiple times a year and is one of six citizen advisory councils throughout Oregon/Washington. The RAC’s 15 members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and represent a broad range of public land interests, including environmental, local government, recreation, timber, and commercial activity. The Western Oregon RAC advises the BLM’s Coos Bay, Medford, Roseburg, Northwest Districts, and parts of the Lakeview District.
For more information about the Western Oregon RAC, visit:
https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington
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.