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Hines, Ore. – Did you know the Bureau of Land Management has Resource Advisory Councils – made up of people just like you – that give citizen-based advice and recommendations on the management of public lands? These groups provide an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds and interests to have a stronger impact on decisions made for public lands.

The 13-member Steens Mountain Advisory Council currently has nine vacant positions and four more with appointment terms expiring in 2023. The following positions are open for public nomination until August 16, 2022:

• a person interested in fish and recreational fishing in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area;
• a person with no financial interest in the CMPA;
• a person with expertise and interest in wild horse management on Steens Mountain;
• a person who participates in what is commonly called dispersed recreation, such as hiking, camping, nature viewing, nature photography, bird watching, horseback riding, or trail walking;
• two persons who are grazing permittees on Federal lands in the CMPA;
• two persons who are recognized environmental representatives, one to represent the State as a whole and one from the local area;
• a person who participates in mechanized or consumptive recreation in the CMPA, such as hunting, fishing, or off-road driving;
• a recreation permit holder or representative of a commercial recreation operation in the CMPA;
• a person to serve as the State government liaison to the Council;
• a private landowner within the CMPA; and
• a member of the Burns Paiute Tribe.

If you are interested in public land management on Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to share your expertise and work with a collaborative group.

“Resource Advisory Councils provide the BLM with 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 BLM Burns District Manager Jeff Rose.

To nominate yourself or someone you know, submit a membership application and supporting letters of recommendation from the groups or interests to be represented to the BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon.

Nomination forms can be picked up at this same location, by mail or phone request at (541) 573-4400, or online at: https://on.doi.gov/3yVakj8. The nomination form is generalized for all BLM Resource Advisory Councils and may not have titles specific to the SMAC. Please ensure the position you are applying for is identified on the nomination form (you can write-in as needed) and letters of reference.

The BLM, Burns Paiute Tribe, Harney County Court, and the Governor of Oregon will review the applications and submit recommended nominees to the Secretary of the Interior, who has the responsibility for making the appointments. Nominees are evaluated on their training, education, experience with, and knowledge of the Steens Mountain area.

If you applied for the SMAC during the September 2021 nomination period, you do not need to reapply. Several nominees are currently in vetting, but we are accepting additional applications for secondary candidates.

Appointed members must reside in the State of Oregon. The SMAC generally holds quarterly meetings virtually, and/or in Hines, Bend and Frenchglen. Although members serve without monetary compensation, travel and per diem expenses are reimbursed at current rates for government employees. SMAC members are normally appointed to three-year terms.

For more information on the SMAC, call Tara Thissell at (541) 573-4400.