BLM Seeks Nominations for 17 Advisory Councils

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public nominations for open positions on 17 of its 36 Resource Advisory Councils (RAC), including the Southeast Oregon RAC, which has eight seats opening in 2018. These councils play a crucial role in helping the BLM manage its vast public lands, offering diverse perspectives from citizens with expertise in various natural resource issues.

About the Resource Advisory Councils

The BLM's RACs are composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues. They assist the Bureau in carrying out its multiple-use mission and stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The BLM, which manages more land than any other federal agency, has 36 RACs across the West. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with interests or expertise in energy and mineral development, ranching, outdoor recreation, conservation, state and local government, tribal and cultural resources, and academia. The diverse membership of each RAC ensures that BLM land managers receive the varying perspectives needed to achieve their mission of managing public lands for multiple uses.

The Southeast Oregon RAC

The Southeast Oregon RAC has assisted the BLM on numerous topics, including resource management planning, sage grouse, and wild horse and burro issues. This RAC covers the high desert portions of the Burns, Lakeview, and Vale Districts, including Lake, Harney, and Malheur counties.

Open Positions

The eight seats on the Southeast Oregon RAC include: Commercial Recreation, Transportation/Rights-of-Way, Commercial Timber, Dispersed Recreation, Environmental Organization, Wild Horse and Burro, Public-at-Large, and Elected Official.

How to Apply

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an Advisory Council. Nominees must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction and will be reviewed based on their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographic area.

• Submit a completed application before Dec. 1, 2017.
• Supply letters of reference demonstrating your ability to represent the specific interest area(s) for which you are applying.
• Include examples of your commitment to collaborative decision-making.

More information about RACs and the application form can be found at: https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council.

Submit applications and letters to Larisa Bogardus, Lakeview BLM, 1301 S. G St., Lakeview, OR 97630.

Originally posted by The Argus Observer