Steens Mountain Advisory Council to Meet in January
Organization
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Hines, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management announced today that the Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC) will meet on Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, and Friday, January 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. PT. The meeting will be at the Hilton Garden Inn at 425 Southwest Bluff Drive in Bend. A virtual participation option will also be available. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Topics of discussion include Page Springs Weir, grazing, and the Bridge Creek Area Allotment Management Plan Environmental Assessment. The SMAC will also host a panel conversation about the development of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000. Council members plan to talk about their purpose and work on a strategic plan as well.
Public comment periods are available at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, January 25, and 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 26. Unless otherwise approved by the SMAC chair, the public comment period will last 30 minutes. Speakers may address the SMAC for up to 5 minutes. Full meeting details and the virtual attendance link are available at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/steens-mac.
The SMAC is a citizen-based advisory group that provides an opportunity for people from all backgrounds and interests to have a voice in the management of America’s public lands.
“This Advisory Council is a forum for people to participate in the land management process,” said Jeff Rose, BLM Burns District Manager and Designated Federal Official for the Steens Mountain Advisory Council. “If you’re interested in public land decisions for Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to listen and share with a collaborative group.”
The SMAC was established on August 14, 2001, pursuant to the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-399). The group provides recommendations to the BLM regarding new and unique approaches to management of the public lands within the bounds of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area and cooperative programs. They also advise the BLM on potential maintenance and improvement of the ecological and economic integrity of the area.
The SMAC is working hard to reach more constituents and welcomes your contact. Reach out to them with any comments, questions, or concerns about management on Steens Mountain at SteensCouncil@blm.gov. The SMAC member representing your interest will be in touch.
For more information, contact Tara Thissell at 541-573-4519 or tthissell@blm.gov.
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.