BLM Seeks Nominations to Western Slope Resource Advisory Councils
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for its two Western Slope resource advisory councils.
Both the Northwest and Southwest resource advisory councils consist of 15 citizens with diverse interests in public land management, including conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, and energy industry representatives.
Resource Advisory Councils provide advice to the BLM on public land issues. The Southwest RAC covers the BLM Southwest District, including the Grand Junction, Uncompahgre and Tres Rios field offices. The Northwest RAC covers the BLM Northwest District including the Colorado River Valley, Kremmling, Little Snake and White River field offices.
“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 BLM Southwest District Manager Stephanie Connolly.
“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,” said Acting BLM Northwest District Manager Connie Clementson.
The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 38 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. 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.
RACs are critical in assisting the BLM in continuing to be a good neighbor in communities served by the Bureau, providing advice and recommendations on issues including land use planning, 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 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.
Nominations must be submitted by June 14. To access the nomination application, go to https://www.blm.gov/get-
More information about the RACs is available at https://www.blm.gov/get-
Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees will be judged based on 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.
– BLM –
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.