BLM invites public to Idaho Resource Advisory Council fall meeting and tour

Idaho
Media Contact

POCATELLO, Idaho–The public is invited to join the Idaho Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on an in-person tour of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed restoration and fuels treatments projects on Wednesday, Oct. 9, beginning 8:45 a.m. Mountain Time (MT). The BLM will then host a hybrid in-person and virtual Idaho RAC meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with a public comment period at 1:15 p.m. MT. The tour will commence and conclude, and the meeting will be held at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Office, located at 1345 Barton Rd. Pocatello, ID, 83204.   

Agenda items will include restoration and fuels treatments; renewable energy; recreation, including BLM Idaho’s recreation strategy, proposed recreational fees and target shooting; fire season recap and updates from the Idaho State Office and districts.  

“BLM Idaho has outstanding partnerships to aid in restoration efforts and enhance recreation areas on public lands funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act,” said BLM Idaho Acting State Director Peter Ditton. “We are looking at ways to make these outdoor opportunities sustainable and balance the recreational use within our multiple use mission for generations to come.” 

The 15-member BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council brings together stakeholders with diverse interests to provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on issues and challenges associated with the Bureau’s multiple use mission.  

The public must provide their own transportation for the field tour and meals. Travel during the tour may be on dirt roads, so 4-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended. Individuals who plan to attend the tour should RSVP by Oct. 2, to BLM Idaho RAC Coordinator MJ Byrne at mbyrne@blm.gov or 208-373-4006. Please contact the BLM for reasonable accommodations to participate. 

Individuals will be able to address the Idaho Resource Advisory Council during the public comment period. The amount of time and number of speakers may depend upon how many individuals wish to speak.  Written comments may also be submitted before the meeting to MJ Byrne. A complete agenda and Zoom registration information are available on the BLM Idaho Resource Advisory Council website at https://on.doi.gov/3SUKbJL

Members of the Idaho Resource Advisory Council receive outdoor briefing on BLM land.
Idaho Resource Advisory Council discusses recreation in Idaho.

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.