News Release

For Release: Dec. 12, 2008     
Contact: David Christy (916) 985-4474
CA-CC-09-17

     Interior Secretary Announces BLM Advisory Council Appointments

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne has announced appointments to the Bureau of Land Management’s Central California Resource Advisory Council.  The council advises the BLM on public land matters.

Suzanne Noble, Bakersfield, was appointed to the council representing energy and mineral interests.
Re-appointed were Mary Gorden, Lemon Cove, archaeological and historic interests; Reb Monaco, Hollister, local elected officials; and Jim Haagen-Smit, Newcastle, dispersed recreation.

All appointments are for three-year terms.

The council next meets March 20 and 21 in Lone Pine.

"Our resource advisory councils are excellent examples of a collaborative approach to public land management and conservation," said BLM California State Director Mike Pool.  "I welcome our new and returning RAC members, commend them for their willingness to serve, and look forward to their counsel as we work together to improve the health and productivity of the public lands."

The Central California RAC, one of 24 such advisory councils in the United States, works closely with managers of the BLM’s Folsom, Bishop, Hollister and Bakersfield field offices, providing expertise and insight on natural resource management issues.

The council represents a broad array of public land interests including livestock grazing permit holders, off- highway vehicle enthusiasts, historical and archaeological interests, dispersed recreation users, environmental interests, local government  and the public at large.

The BLM, an agency of the Department of the Interior, is responsible for managing various uses such as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, minerals development and energy production while conserving the land’s natural, historical and cultural resources.

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