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The Bureau of Land Management’s Northwest and Southwest Colorado districts are seeking public nominations for 10 open positions on their Resource Advisory Councils, which advise the BLM on public land issues. 

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.

“The advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils is a vital part of the BLM’s collaborative approach to land management,” said Acting BLM Colorado State Director Ruth Welch. “Citizen input enhances our agency’s ability to administer and conserve these lands for the use and enjoyment of 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 descriptions for RAC positions are as follows:

• 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.

In the Northwest District, five positions are open, including two positions in Category 1, one position in Category 2 and two positions in Category 3.  Nominations for the Northwest District RAC (Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, Kremmling, Little Snake and White River field offices) must be submitted by March 27 to the Bureau of Land Management, Attn:  David Boyd, 2300 River Frontage Rd., Silt, CO 81652. Additional requirements and nomination forms can be found by going to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Resources/racs/nwrac.html or by calling Boyd at 970-876-9008.

In the Southwest District, five positions are open including two Category 1 positions, one Category 2 position and two Category 3 positions. Nominations for the Southwest District (Gunnison, Tres Rios and Uncompahgre Field Offices) RAC must be submitted by Wednesday, March 27, to the Bureau of Land Management, Attn:  Shannon Borders, 2465 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401.  Additional requirements can be found by going to http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Resources/racs/swrac.html or by calling Borders at 970-240-5399.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This Land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield.  In Fiscal Year 2013, the BLM generated $4.7 billion in receipts from public lands.