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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Oregon/Washington announced today that it is seeking public nominations for 15 open positions on its three Resource Advisory Councils (RACs). The RACs advise the BLM and the US Forest Service on public land issues. The BLM will consider nominations for 45 days after its formal call for nominations was published in the Federal Register. Nominations must be submitted by March 12, 2012.The RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the BLM carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The BLM, 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 15 members with an interest in public land management, including conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse RAC membership is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that Federal land managers need for their mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils," said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency's ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations."Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees must reside in the state where the RAC has jurisdiction, and 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. Each nomination packet must include a completed background information nomination form, letter(s) of reference from any represented interests or organizations, and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. The 15 positions open on the Eastern Washington, John Day-Snake and Southeast Oregon RACs are in the following categories:

• 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 should be sent by March 12, 2012, to Pam Robbins, BLM Oregon/Washington State Office, 333 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97204 (503) 808-6306.