Citizen Advisory Groups

Citizen panels in Oregon and Washington help the BLM with its mission. These groups, chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, represent the many interests involved in federal resource management.

The Eastern Washington, John Day-Snake, and Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) were formed in 1995 to advise BLM and US Forest Service managers on public lands east of the Cascade Mountains. Each RAC consists of local residents who represent three broad interest categories: commodity interests, non-commodity interests, and community interests. RAC members are chosen by the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Governor(s) of the
State(s) in which they serve.

Five County Payment Resource Advisory Committees were formed in 2000 through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, and were recently extended through 2012. They review proposals and advise the BLM on projects that benefit resources in Western Oregon Districts and the Klamath Falls Field Office.

The Steens Mountain Advisory Council was formed in 2000, by the law establishing the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act (CMPA). The Council recommends management options for the CMPA that focus on the human, ecologic, and economic integrity of the area.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center Advisory Board was formed in 1999 to plan for the management, use, and further development of the heritage site at Baker City.

Please contact the Oregon/Washington RAC Coordinator for further information.

General Information

• RAC Nomination Form (PDF)
• Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 (PDF)
• Resource Advisory Committees Information
• Resource Advisory Committees
• RAC Areas Map (PDF)
• Official Payments Made to Counties
• O&C Counties Historical Information