BLM seeks Steens Mountain advisory panel members

Did you know the Bureau of Land Management has resource advisory councils — made up of people just like you — that give citizen-based advice and recommendations on the management of public lands?

These groups provide an opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds and interests to have a stronger impact on the decisions made for public lands.

The Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC) currently has five positions open for public nomination:

1) a person interested in fish and recreational fishing in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA);

2) a representative of a state environmental organization;

3) a recreation permit holder or representative of a commercial recreation operation in the CMPA;

4) a private landowner within the CMPA, and

5) a member and representative of the Burns Paiute Tribe.

If you are interested in public land management on Steens Mountain, this is a great opportunity to share your expertise and work with a collaborative group. The SMAC has been successful in bringing diverse and often competing interests to the table to deal with issues of mutual concern. This inclusive approach has shown great promise as a means to successfully deal with long-standing problems of public land management. Consensus-driven recommendations often lead to sustainable outcomes that benefit natural resources and have a high level of public support.

To nominate yourself or someone you know, submit a nomination form and supporting letters of recommendation from the groups or interests to be represented to the BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon. The application deadline is May 27 , 2017. Nomination forms can be picked up at this same location, by mail through phone request at (541) 573-4400 , or online at https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/apply

The specific category the nominee would like to represent should be identified in the nomination form and letters of reference. The BLM will review the applications and submit recommended nominees to the Secretary of the Interior, who has the responsibility for making the appointments.

Appointed members must reside in the State of Oregon. The SMAC generally holds quarterly meetings in Hines, Bend and Frenchglen. Although members serve without monetary compensation, travel and per diem expenses are reimbursed at current rates for government employees. SMAC members are normally appointed to three-year terms. For more information on the SMAC, call Tara Thissell at (541) 573-4400 or tthissell@blm.gov.