BLM seeks nominations to BLM-Alaska Resource Advisory Council
The Bureau of Land Management has invited Alaskans to apply or nominate others to serve in one of five open positions on its 15-member Resource Advisory Council. The RAC receives updates on agency activities and advises BLM-Alaska on public land issues. Involved Alaskans benefit public land management by helping reduce conflict, improve public understanding, and assist managers assess public attitudes on issues, land use plans, and programs.
“I value the insight and recommendations provided to BLM-Alaska by our Resource Advisory Council members,” said Alaska State Director Bud Cribley. “We have new resource management plans in progress and discussion with our RAC members enhances our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while preserving these resources for future generations to enjoy.”
The five positions are in the following categories:
Two vacancies in Category One – Representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.
Two vacancies in Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, and dispersed recreation activities.
One vacancy in 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.
The deadline for applications and nominations is March 14. Applicants and nominees must be residents of Alaska and may apply directly or nominate others to serve. Selection criteria include training, education, and knowledge of the RAC’s geographical area. A completed background information form, letter(s) of reference from represented interests or organizations and other related information are required. Members are selected for their expertise and interest in natural resource issues.
The application/nomination packet is available on the BLM-Alaska website at www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/res/rac.html.
BLM manages more land – 256 million surface acres – than any other federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western states, including 75 million in Alaska. The bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, and cultural resources on the public lands.