TWIN FALLS IDAHO (KMVT-TV) The Bureau of Land Management in Idaho is looking for a few good people, five to be exact, to be part of the Twin Falls District Resource Advisory Council. The group is tasked with advising the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will consider the nominations until March 12, 2012.

According to a news release issued by The BLM says, “RACs, are composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues and help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands.” The diverse membership of the council is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations.”

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. The RAC nomination form can be downloaded from the following location: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/resource_advisory.html

The five RAC positions open on the Twin Falls District RAC are in the following categories:

Two Openings in Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.

One Opening in Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.

Two Openings in 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; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.


Nominations should be sent by March 12, 2012 to Heather Tiel-Nelson, Twin Falls District BLM, 2536 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301; (208) 736-2352.