Montana RAC Nom

BLM Seeks Nominees for Montana Resource Advisory Councils

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for positions on its Resource Advisory Councils (RAC) in western Montana, central Montana, and eastern Montana.

Nominations should be submitted to the appropriate BLM field manager by April 14. A completed background information form (including specification of nomination category) and letter of reference from represented interests or organizations must be included for each nominee. The background information form is available on the internet at www.blm.gov/mt/st/en.html.

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to involve the public in the planning and management of the public lands administered by the BLM. The Department of the Interior established the RACs in 1995. "The RACs are very effective partners in helping resolve public lands issues that affect Montanans’ quality of life," said Montana State Director Gene Terland.

Each council has 15 members who serve staggered three-year terms. The terms of five members from each RAC expire in September 2008. Council membership must reflect a balanced representation of the various interests and users of the public lands. These include persons who represent the following categories:

Category 1 - holders of federal grazing permits; energy and mineral development; timber industry; transportation or rights-of-way; off-highway vehicle use; or commercial recreation;

Category 2 – nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreation; archeological and historic interests; or wild horse and burro groups; and

Category 3 - elected state, county or local government; employees of state agencies responsible for management of natural resources; Native American tribes; academicians involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Following are the categories for which the BLM is seeking nominations, by field area, for three-year terms beginning September 21, 2008. Nominations should be mailed to the appropriate field manager.

Western Montana: One opening in Category 1; two openings in Category 2; and two openings in Category 3. There is also an opening for a two-year term in Category 1. Rick Hotaling, Butte Field Manager, 106 N. Parkmont, Butte, MT, 59701, 406/533-7600.

Central Montana: Two openings in Category 1; one opening in Category 2; and two openings in Category 3. Lewistown Field Manager, 920 NE Main Street, Lewistown, MT, 59457, 406/538-1900.

Eastern Montana: Two openings in Category 1; one opening in Category 2; and two openings in Category 3. There is also an opening for a one-year term in Category 2. Elaine Raper, Miles City Field Manager, 111 Garryowen Road, Miles City, MT, 59301, 406/233-2800.

Nominees will be evaluated based on their education, training, experience, and knowledge of the issues and the geographical area of the council. Nominees should have demonstrated a commitment to collaborative resource decision making.