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Four Alaskans have been appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to fill vacancies on the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Resource Advisory Council (RAC). Bronk Jorgensen of Tok was appointed to represent Energy and Mineral interests. Suzanne Little of Anchorage was reappointed and will represent Environmental Organization interests. Teresa Imm of Anchorage will represent Alaska Native interests and Sara Longan of Eagle River will represent the State of Alaska. All four appointee's terms commenced on January 19, 2016 and will continue for three years. The BLM's Resource Advisory Councils, composed of citizens chosen for their knowledge of natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres… the largest land portfolio of any Federal agency. BLM Alaska manages nearly 72 million acres of that land in Alaska. The 15 Alaskans appointed to the RAC represent stakeholder interests in management and include conservationists, outdoor recreationists, industry officials, tribal leaders, state and local government officers, academics, and others. Bud Cribley, State Director, said, "Our multi-use mission of managing lands for recreation, mineral development and energy production must be done while conserving the land's natural, historical and cultural resources. Our RAC members help provide valuable insight in helping us achieve that balance." Vacancies occur every year. Those interested in providing feedback to the BLM on public lands and natural resource management is encouraged to apply. Nomination opportunities will be announced soon to fill five vacancies for appointment in 2017. For more information about the BLM-Alaska RAC and its meetings, go to http://www.blm.gov/ak/rac.