Public Lands Foundation recognizes Southwest Resource Advisory Council Sub-group
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DOLORES, Colo. - The Public Lands Foundation recognized the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Southwest Resource Advisory Council's (RAC) Tres Rios Master Leasing Plan Area of Interest Working Group with the Landscape Stewardship Certificate of Appreciation. Tres Rios Field Manager Connie Clementson presented the certificate to the group at the last Southwest RAC meeting in Montrose on March 31.
The award praises the group’s work in advancing and sustaining community-based stewardship on Southwest Colorado landscapes, including BLM-managed public lands.
“The involvement of local community members and organizations in the BLM’s planning process is extremely important, and the Public Lands Foundation is very pleased to recognize the commitment and contributions made by the working group,” said Beau McClure, Public Lands Foundation Vice President for Operations.
The 21-member working group executed a robust community involvement process to identify and discuss key issues regarding federal oil and gas leasing within the Tres Rios Field Office. The group devoted many hours familiarizing themselves with federal oil and gas leasing, and the information they obtained from community members gave the BLM valuable insight into local interests and needs.
“The Master Leasing Plan working group worked exceptionally hard on gathering public input to advise and assist the BLM during this important process,” said Clementson. “Getting recognition from the Public Lands Foundation is a testament to their commitment to our public lands.”
In 2015, federal oil and gas activities on BLM-managed lands generated $3.5 billion and supported 13,401 jobs in Colorado.
The Southwest RAC is one of three advisory councils to BLM Colorado. Composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, individuals serving in each RAC represent diverse public land interests, ranging from environmental to local government to commercial activity. For more information on the Southwest RAC, go to https://www.blm.gov/get-
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.