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The Bureau of Land Management in Montana and the Dakotas announced today that it is reopening the public call for nominations for 23 open positions on its four Resource Advisory Councils, which advise the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will consider the nominations for 30 days after June 3, 2013, when the agency is publishing its notice in the Federal Register that the nomination period is reopened.The BLM's RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses."I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils," said BLM Principal Deputy Director Neil Kornze. “The people who use and enjoy BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input enhances our agency's ability to administer and conserve these lands for current and future generations of Americans."Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of 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 background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications.The 23 positions open on the Western Montana, Central Montana, Eastern Montana and Dakotas RACs are in the following categories:Category One -- Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.Category Two -- Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.Category Three -- Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.A term on a RAC is for three years. Following are the vacancies for each of the Montana/Dakotas RACs. Send nominations by July 3 to the contact(s) listed below.Western Montana: six openings. Send nominations to David Abrams, 106 N. Parkmont, Butte, MT, 59701, 406/533-7600.Central Montana: six openings. Send nominations to Kaylene Patten, 920 NE Main Street, Lewistown, MT, 59457, 406/538-1900.Eastern Montana: five openings. Send nominations to Mark Jacobsen, 111 Garryowen Road, Miles City, MT, 59301, 406/233-2800.Dakotas RAC: six openings. Send nominations to Mark Jacobsen, 111 Garryowen Road, Miles City, MT, 59301, 406/233-2800.More information is available at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council . This site also includes a link to the background nomination form.