< All Press Releases

The Bureau of Land Management California Desert District today announced it is seeking public nominations for positions on the Desert Advisory Council (DAC).  This citizen-based committee assists in the development of recommendations that address public land management issues within the California Desert District.   

The Committee, which is formally chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, provides recommendations to the BLM on public land issues.   

“The Desert Advisory Council assists the California Desert District with recommendations on a dynamic and wide range of programs from grazing to renewable energy,” said BLM California Desert District Manager Shelly Lynch. “I appreciate our council members and their commitment of time and dedication to come together and provide their insight on the BLM’s management decisions.” 

The diverse membership of the DAC is critical in assisting the BLM in continuing to be a good neighbor in communities served by the Bureau, providing recommendations on issues including land use planning, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, noxious weed management, grazing issues, wild horse and burro management issues and more.   
 
The descriptions for DAC 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 DAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. 

Individuals are invited to self-nominate to serve on the DAC. Nominees, who must be residents of the state, will be reviewed based on their training, education and knowledge of the Committee’s geographic area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. Letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations should accompany the application and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications. 

As published in a notice in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 30 days until November 27. For more information, please contact California Desert District Public Affairs Officer Michelle Van Der Linden at mvanderlinden@blm.gov.