Submitted by the Bureau of Land Management.

The Bureau of Land Management today announced that it is seeking public nominations for two positions on the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Council. This citizen-based council assists in the development of recommendations that address public land management on the San Juan Islands National Monument.

The BLM maintains Resource Advisory Councils chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the Federal Policy and Land Management Act across the West. Each RAC or MAC 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.

“These councils are key to providing the BLM with vital feedback on current issues, concerns, and proposals, and allows us to hear from the local communities to improve the management of these public lands,” said Stephen Small, BLM Spokane District Manager, which oversees all BLM-managed federal land in Washington. “We want to keep up with the trend of getting the very best nominees who compliment the variety of backgrounds on the council and can help 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, environmental issues, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, noxious weed management, grazing issues, and wild horse and burro herd management issues. The RACs 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 RAC is seeking nominations for five positions 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 vehicles users; and commercial and developed outdoor recreation.

• Category Two – Representatives of archeological and historic 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.

Specifically, the MAC would be best suited to find representation from wildlife and ecological interests; cultural/heritage interests; local government interests; private landowner; and tribal interests.

As published in a notice in the Oct. 25, 2023, Federal Register, the BLM will consider nominations for 30 days until Nov. 24. For more information, or if you have questions, contact BLM spokesperson, Travis Edwards at tedwards@blm.gov.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.