BLM Seeks Nominations to Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council

LAKEVIEW, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for positions on the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council (RAC). This citizen-based council assists in developing recommendations that address public land management issues within BLM Vale District’s Malheur Field Office, Burns District, and Lakeview District’s Lakeview Field Office.

The BLM maintains RACs chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Federal Policy and Land Management Act across the West. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities, and they assist in the development of recommendations that address public land management issues.

“Resource Advisory Councils provide the BLM with vital feedback on current issues, concerns, and proposals, and enable us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands,” said Designated Federal Official and Lakeview District Manager Todd Forbes. “Our goal is to ensure that the membership of every RAC encompasses a wide variety of perspectives and backgrounds to guide our work as effectively as possible.”

The BLM maintains RACs as a means of gaining expert advice, ideas, and diverse opinions on issues including land use planning, fire management, recreation, energy and minerals, sage-grouse habitat, grazing issues, and wild horse and burro herd management issues. These groups support the Bureau’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for all citizens through the balanced stewardship of America’s public lands and resources.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on the RAC. Nominees, who must be residents of the state where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be reviewed based on their training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographic area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. Letters of reference should accompany all nominations from any represented interests or organizations, a completed RAC application, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

The Southeast Oregon RAC is seeking eight nominations in the following categories:

• Category One – Representatives of organizations associated with energy/mineral development; Federal grazing permit holders; the timber industry; transportation or rights-of-way; off-highway vehicle users; and commercial and developed outdoor recreation.
• Category Two – Representatives of archeological and historical organizations; dispersed recreation users; wild horse and burro organizations; and nationally or regionally-recognized environmental organizations.
• Category Three – Representatives of State, county, or local elected office; Indian Tribes located within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; academicians employed in natural resource management or natural sciences; employees of a state agency responsible for management of natural resources; and the public at large.

As published in the Federal Register, the BLM will accept nominations for 30 days, until Friday, Nov. 15. For more information, please contact Lisa Mcnee at lmcnee@blm.gov or 541-947-6811.

For more information on the southeast Oregon RAC or to apply, visit https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/southeast-oregon-rac.