The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, 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 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. 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.
“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees,” 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, who must be residents of Utah, 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 decisionmaking.
All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference (a minimum of two) from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications.
Nomination forms are available at BLM offices and online at Advisory Councils. The BLM consults with Utah Governor Herbert before forwarding its recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior for final decision.
The five RAC positions open on the Utah RAC are in the following category/ies:
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 Monday, March 12, 2012, to the Bureau of Land Management, Attn: Sherry Foot, Special Programs Coordinator, 440 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84101, phone (801) 539-4195.
Post a Comment