BLM seeks nominations to Resource Advisory Councils in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for positions that are or will soon become vacant on its California Desert District Advisory Council (DAC), Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC), and the Northern California District Resource Advisory Council. A notice was also published in the Federal Register.

The councils consist of citizens with diverse interests in public land management, including conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal members, and energy industry representatives. The councils provide advice to the BLM on public land issues.

"Resource advisory councils assist the BLM with recommendations for a dynamic portfolio of programs from conservation to renewable energy," said Acting BLM California State Director Gordon Toevs. "I appreciate our council members for their dedication and willingness to come together and provide advice on the BLM's management decisions."

The BLM, which manages more land than any other federal agency, has advisory councils located across the West. The diverse membership of each council is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

The councils are critical in assisting the BLM in continuing to be a good neighbor in communities served by the bureau, providing advice and recommendations on issues including land use planning, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, oil and gas exploration, noxious weed management, grazing issues, and wild horse and burro management issues.

The descriptions for RAC positions are as follows:

• Category One - Holders of Federal grazing permits or leases within the area for which the RAC is organized; represent interests associated with transportation or rights-of-way; represent developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; represent the commercial timber industry; or represent energy and mineral development.
• Category Two - Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical interests, dispersed recreational activities, and nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups.
• Category Three - Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land, or water; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural resource management or the natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Completed and signed applications, letters of reference, and any other information that addresses the nominee's qualifications must be submitted by August 16. Candidates can download a copy of the nomination applicationonline.

For more information about serving on a resource advisory council, please contact the applicable district representative shown below:

California Desert DAC:

Kate Miyamoto, Public Affairs Officer, BLM California Desert District Office, 1201 Bird Center Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262; phone: 760-883-8528; or email:[email protected].

California Desert DAC:

Philip Oviatt, Acting Public Affairs Officer, BLM Bakersfield Field Office, 35126 McMurtrey Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308; phone: 661-391-6117; or email: [email protected].

Northern California RAC:

Jeff Fontana, Public Affairs Officer, BLM Northern California District Office, 6640 Lockheed Dr., Redding, CA 96002; phone: 530-252-5332; or email: [email protected].

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees must be residents of California and will be judged based on their training, education, and knowledge of the council's geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications.

More information about the RACs is available online.

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