BLM Seeks Applicants to the Alaska Resource Advisory Council
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ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public applicants for membership on the Alaska Resource Advisory Council (RAC). The application period, announced in the Federal Register this week, runs through November 24, 2023.
RAC members are local experts who advise the BLM Alaska State Director, and through them the Secretary of the Interior, on public land management issues within Alaska including land use planning, environmental issues, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, oil and gas exploration, noxious weed management, and grazing issues. Each RAC consists of 10- to 15-members from diverse interests, who serve for three-year terms, meeting two-to-three times per year.
“Our RAC members are essential to advise how we can provide better public service,” said BLM Alaska State Director Steve Cohn. “Their perspectives will be critical to inform our long-term strategies and provide input on individual issues.”
The BLM maintains RACs chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Federal Policy and Land Management Act across the West. The RACs support the Bureau’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for all citizens through the balanced stewardship of America’s public lands and resources.
Individuals may apply themselves or nominate others to serve on the RAC. Applicants, who must be Alaska residents, will be reviewed based on their training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographic area. Applicants should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. Applications must be submitted with at least one letter of recommendation. Attached resumes, curriculum vitae and additional letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required.
The BLM in Alaska is recruiting to fill six total pending vacancies, three in each of the following categories:
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Category Two – Representatives of archeological and historic organizations; dispersed recreation users; reindeer grazing groups; and nationally or regionally-recognized environmental organizations.
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Category Three – Elected representatives of state, borough, or local offices; Alaska Native tribes; academics working in natural resource management or natural sciences; employees of a state agency responsible for management of natural resources; and the affected public at large.
Signed applications and at least one letter of recommendation must be submitted via email to mbolton@blm.gov or postmarked by November 24, 2023 to:
ATTN: RAC Coordinator
Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office
222 W. 7th Avenue #13
Anchorage AK 99513-7504
Blank applications are available on the Alaska Resource Advisory Council webpage: www.blm.gov/Alaska/RAC. For more information, please contact Resource Advisory Council Coordinator, Melinda Bolton at mbolton@blm.gov or (907) 271-3342.
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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.