RAC Members Sought for Eastern Washington Council

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Oregon/Washington State Office

Media Contact:

Pam Robbins

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking applicants for five positions on the Eastern Washington Resource Advisory Council (RAC). The RAC advises and recommends management strategies for federal lands located in whole or in part within the Spokane District of the BLM and/or the Colville and Okanogan National Forests. BLM Oregon State Director Ed Shepard said, “I cannot emphasize strongly enough what effective partners the RACs have been in helping resolve public land issues that affect quality of life in the Northwest."

Nominations for these key advisors will be accepted through April 2, 2007. The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires RACs to be balanced and represent the variety of interests concerned with public land management. Expired terms this year include representatives of: grazing permit or lease holders, local and regional environmental groups, the commercial timber industry, and academics in natural resource science. Washington residents may apply or be nominated by others, and current members may be renominated. Nominations must include a completed background information nomination form, letter(s) of reference from the interest category to be represented, and any other information that demonstrates the nominee's qualifications.

Nominees will be evaluated based on their experience working with the interest area they choose to represent, and their knowledge of the Council's geographic area. Nominees must also have demonstrated a commitment to collaborative resource decision-making. Council members are unpaid, but are reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. RACs usually meet quarterly within their geographic area. Appointees serve a three year term. For a nomination form or additional information, please contact Pam Robbins, Bureau of Land Management, (pam_robbins @ or.blm.gov), P.O. Box 2965 Portland, Oregon, (503) 808-6306, or the BLM Spokane District Office, (509) 536-1200.


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.