BLM seeks nominees for advisory council

The Bureau of Land Management is asking Utahns interested in managing and conserving federal land to try out for a place on an advisory resource council.

According to BLM officials, nominations are being accepted for five positions on the BLM's Resource Advisory Council, which offers advice concerning the agency's 22 million acres in Utah. The deadline for sending nominations and letters of support to the BLM is April 2.

The Secretary of the Interior Department will make the three-year appointments to the citizen council, examining nominees' education, training and experience with issues involving public lands.

"The RAC has been an excellent way to keep citizens engaged in the resource issues facing the public land in Utah," said Selma Sierra, BLM state director for Utah. Agency managers would like to have more Utahns involved in the process, "bringing fresh ideas to the table," she added.

The council has 15 members, with appointees serving three-year terms. One third of the council is "subject to appointment or reappointment each year," according to a BLM press release.

This year, the openings are:

• Two positions in commodity issues, such as grazing, energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights of way and off-highway vehicles;

• One position in non-commodity issues, covering the interests of nationally or regionally recognized environmental groups, archaeological or historic areas, dispersed recreation and wild horse and burro organizations;

• Two positions in local area issues, with members such as people who have been elected to state, county or local office; Indian tribes; employees of a state agency responsible for managing natural resources; academicians involved in natural science; and the public at large.

Those nominated should have demonstrated a commitment to collaborative resource decisionmaking, the BLM press release said.

A minimum of two letters of reference are required from interests or organizations that would be represented, plus a completed nomination form and other information. Forms are available from BLM offices and from the agency's Web site at ut.blm.gov.

Members of the board serve without compensation but are reimbursed for travel and meal expenses.

Nominations and letters of reference should be sent to: Bureau of Land Management; Utah State Office; 440 W. 200 South, Suite 500; Salt Lake City, UT 84101; Attn.: Sherry Foot.

More information is available from Foot, the Utah BLM special programs coordinator, at 801-539-4195.