BLM Seeks Nominations to Front Range Resource Advisory Council

The Bureau of Land Management Front Range District is seeking public nominations for five open positions on the Front Range Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will accept the nominations for 45 days and all nominations must be received no later than May 10, 2010.

The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 253 million acres of public lands. The Bureau manages more land than any other Federal agency and most BLM-managed land is located in the western US. The Front Range RAC is one of three RACs in Colorado and one of 24 RACs across the West. Each RAC consists of 12 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 members of higher education faculties whose expertise is in natural resources. The mission of the BLM is to manage the public lands for multiple uses. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs to fulfill its mission.

“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees, and I know that Interior Secretary Ken Salazar shares my view of their importance,” 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. Front Range RAC nominees must be a Colorado resident and each 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. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications.

The five positions open in the Front Range RAC are in the following categories:

Category One – (one position) Representative of livestock grazing, energy and mineral development, timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, or commercial recreation.

Category Two – (two positions) Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, or wild horse and burro organizations.

Category Three – (two positions, one of which represents an elected official) 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; or the public-at-large.

For further information contact Cass Cairns, Front Range RAC coordinator at 719-269-8553. The nomination form and information about the Front Range RAC are available at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Resources/racs/frrac.html.

BLM