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REDDING, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management today announced that it is seeking public nominations for positions on the Northern California Resource Advisory Council (RAC). These citizen-based committees assist in the development of recommendations that address public land management issues.

The BLM maintains RACs chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Federal Policy and Land Management Act across the West. Each RAC consists of 10- to 15-members from diverse interests in local communities, and they assist in the development of recommendations that address public land management issues.

“Resource Advisory Councils provide the BLM with vital feedback on current issues, concerns, and proposals, and enable us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands,” said Northern California District Manager Dereck Wilson. “Our goal is to ensure that the membership of every RAC encompasses a wide variety of perspectives and backgrounds to guide our work as effectively as possible.”

The BLM maintains RACs as a means of gaining expert advice, ideas, and diverse opinions on issues including land use planning, environmental issues, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, oil and gas exploration, noxious weed management, grazing issues, and wild horse and burro herd management issues. 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 my nominate themselves or others to serve on the RAC. Nominees, who must be residents of the state where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be reviewed based on their training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographic area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. Letters of reference should accompany all nominations from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

As published in the Federal Register, the Northern California RAC is considering nominations submitted now until Nov. 4 in the following categories:   

• Three openings in Category One – Representatives of organizations associated with energy/mineral development; federal grazing permit holders; the timber industry; transportation or rights-of-way; off-highway vehicles users; and commercial and developed outdoor recreation.
• Three openings in Category Two – Representatives of archeological and historic organizations; dispersed recreation users; wild horse and burros organizations; and nationally or regionally-recognized environmental organizations. 
• Three openings in Category Three – Representatives of State, county, or local elected office; Indian Tribes located within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; academicians employed in natural resource management or natural sciences; employees of a state agency responsible for management of natural resources; and the public at large.

The RAC meets in formal session two to three times per year throughout the Northern California District. The council’s 15 members serve three-year terms and may be nominated for reappointment for an additional three-year term. Council members serve without compensation other than travel expenses. 

Nominations should be sent to Bureau of Land Management, 2800 Cottage Way #W1623, Sacramento CA 95825. Attention: Sarah Denos (RAC Nominations). Nominations and supporting materials can be sent via email to sdenos@blm.gov.