BLM Seeks Nominations to Coastal Oregon Resource Advisory Council, May 7

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recently announced that it is seeking public nominations for four positions on the Coastal Oregon Resource Advisory Council. Applications are due June 4, 2018. The Council provides advice and recommendations for the BLM to consider on a range of resource and land management issues. It consists of 15 member from diverse interests in local communities. Established by charter, the Council is critical in assisting the BLM in continuing to be a good neighbor in the communities that the agency serves. “The Coastal Oregon RAC serves as an important forum for community conversations that are a key component of public land management,” said Kathy Westenskow-Davis, Designated Federal Official for the Coastal Oregon RAC. “Council members provide a valuable service to the Bureau by delving into land management issues, proposing solutions on recreation fees, and allocating Secure Rural School funding, among other topics.” Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on the Council. Nominees, who must be Oregon residents, will be reviewed on the basis of their training, education and knowledge of the Council’s geographic area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. A letter of reference must accompany all nominations, along with a completed RAC application and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications. Positions are open in the following categories: Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the commercial timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation. Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations. 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, Alaska Natives as appropriate to the state of Alaska; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. The BLM administers eight advisory councils and committees in Oregon and Washington. More information, including a fillable application and an Oregon/Washington RAC boundary map, can be found online at https://www.blm.gov/get- involved/resource-advisory- council/near-you/oregon- washington. As published in a notice in the Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 45 days (until June 4, 2018).  Requests for more information and completed applications should be directed to Megan Harper, Coastal Oregon RAC Coordinator, at the BLM Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Lane, North Bend, OR 97459, 541-751-4353, m1harper@blm.gov.