REDDING, Calif.  —  The Bureau of Land Management’s Northern California District Resource Advisory Council will hold a virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams, Thursday, May 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Members of the public are welcome, and can register to participate. The council will hear public comments at 11a.m. A copy of the agenda is available online.

RAC members will hear overviews of current Executive and Secretarial orders, review and consider approval of Forest Service recreation site business plans, receive updates on BLM land tenure actions, and hear updates on BLM wild horse and burro management in northeast California.  Council members will also hear updates from the BLM California state director and from managers of the Applegate, Arcata, Eagle Lake and Redding field offices.

All are welcome to address the council during the public comment portion of the meeting. A time limit could be set to accommodate all speakers.

The 15-member council is composed of varied public land interests including recreation, livestock grazing, timber and forest products, environmental organizations, wild horse and burro management, local government, the academic sector, state natural resource agencies and the public at large. It focuses on lands managed by the Northern California District, which includes land in far northwest Nevada. More information is available from BLM Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana, 530-260-0189.
 

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management will host a virtual public meeting of the BLM Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on Thursday, May 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The business meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams and will include a public comment period scheduled at 1:30 p.m. The business meeting agenda can be reviewed online.

The RAC will be updated on BLM programs and activities from the BLM Central California District and field offices. In addition, the RAC will receive presentations and make recommendations on fee proposals from the USDA Forest Service in the Inyo National Forest, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Los Padres National Forest.

“We are looking forward to sharing ongoing projects and priorities throughout the district. In addition, we welcome the National Forests and their business plan proposals,” said Central California District Manager Gabe Garcia. “By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”

Meeting participants must register through Microsoft Teams to attend. Upon registering, participants will receive an email including the meeting link and dial-in numbers. Participants may need to download the Teams app if joining via phone prior to the meeting. Here are some tips on how to use Microsoft Teams.

Public comments will be accepted during scheduled agenda items and public comments will be accepted at 1:30 p.m. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council maybe sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Office, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 35126 McMurtrey Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 38 chartered advisory committees throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

To learn more about the Central California RAC, visit online. Please contact the BLM for reasonable accommodations to participate. For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.
 

REDDING, Calif.  —  The Bureau of Land Management Northern California District Resource Advisory Council will discuss a range of public land management topics in a meeting to be held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. The council will hear public comments at 11 a.m. 

Agenda topics include a presentation from the Forest Service on their administration of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, a status report on implantation of provisions in the BLM Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan, a discussion about wild horse management within the BLM Northern California District, suggestions about increasing wild horse adoption numbers and a status report on recent land acquisitions into public ownership. The council will also hear a report from the BLM California state director and from managers of the Arcata, Applegate, Eagle Lake and Redding field offices. 

Members of the public can participate via Zoom. Meeting ID: 161 071 4713, passcode 446400.  Participants can also telephone into the meeting by dialing 669-254-5252.   

The 15-member council is composed of varied public land interests including recreation, livestock grazing, timber and forest products, environmental organizations, wild horse and burro management, local government, the academic sector, state natural resource agencies and the public at large. It focuses on lands managed by the Northern California District, which includes land in far northwest Nevada. 

More information is available from BLM Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana, 530-260-0189.   

Northern California District Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, Redding, CA 96002 

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will discuss a range of public land management topics in meeting to be held virtually on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. The business meeting includes a public comment period scheduled at 1:45 p.m. The business meeting agenda can be reviewed in advance.

Agenda topics include landscape restoration efforts and fuels reduction efforts at the Mother Lode Field Office. The RAC will also hear project and program updates from the BLM Central California District and field office managers. In addition, the USDA Forest Service will provide presentations and make recommendations on fee proposals for Inyo National Forest.  

“We are looking forward to hearing about the restoration and fuels treatment work being done at various sites within the Mother Lode Field Office, projects throughout the Central California District, as well as projects from the US Forest Service,” said Central Coast District Manager Gabe Garcia. “By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”

Meeting participants must register in advance through Zoom. Upon registering, participants will receive an email, including the meeting link and dial-in numbers.

Public comments will be accepted during scheduled agenda items and public comments will be accepted at 1:45 p.m. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council maybe sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Public Affairs, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 35126 McMurtrey Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308.

The 12-member council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with BLM public lands in central California. The BLM maintains 38 chartered advisory committees throughout the West. Each citizen-based council consists of members from diverse interests in local communities, who assist in the development of committee recommendations by sharing their unique perspectives.

For specific questions, please contact BLM Central California District Public Affairs Officer Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov or 661-432-4252.

The Northern California District RAC will meet virtually February 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pacific time (PT); participate in a field tour on May 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT and meet on May 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT; and participate in a field tour on September 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT and meet on September 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT. The May and September 2025 meetings will be held in-person, and a virtual participation option will be available.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will host an in-person public meeting of the BLM California Desert District Advisory Council on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 861 NV-160, Pahrump, NV 89048. The meeting is open to the public with a public comment period scheduled at 9:30 a.m.

The Desert Advisory Council meeting will include a presentation on the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area Business Plan fee proposal with an opportunity for public comment and a DAC vote, and a presentation and DAC vote on the U.S. Forest Service’s Angeles National Forest fee proposal. The five field offices and fire program will also report on their activities.   

The meeting will include a virtual option via Zoom. Meeting participants must register in advance to attend in Zoom. Upon registering, participants will receive an email including the meeting link and dial-in numbers. The public will have the opportunity to address the Desert Advisory Council only during public comment periods and time for individual comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written comments may also be emailed in advance of the meeting to kmiyamoto@blm.gov and will be recorded in the meeting minutes.

The BLM will host a field tour on Friday, Dec. 6, and visit public lands managed by the Barstow Field Office including Dumont Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area, the borehole at Tecopa Hot Springs, and sites in the Amargosa River watershed. The tour will also include a stop at China Ranch Date Farm. Members of the public are welcome on the field tour, but must provide their own transportation, meals, and water. To attend the field tour, please RSVP by Friday, Nov. 29 to kmiyamoto@blm.gov. The meeting agenda and field tour can be reviewed in advance.

Advisory councils, such as the Desert Advisory Council, provide advice and recommendations for BLM consideration on resource and land-management issues within the agency. These citizen-based councils consist of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities who assist in the development of committee recommendations that address public land management issues.

 

WASHINGTON —The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for a new Federal advisory committee that will help inform how the Bureau implements the Public Lands Rule. The Committee will advise on outreach and engagement, best management practices, and the development and refinement of agency guidance to support implementation of the Rule across the country.

The Public Lands Rule provides the BLM with new tools and guidance to inform the balanced management of our natural resources. The Committee will allow the Bureau of Land Management to continue working with the public and a full range of experts to support successful implementation of the Rule, protecting our best and healthiest lands and waters, restoring those that need it, and making informed management and development decisions based on the best available science and data, including Indigenous Knowledge.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently signed the charter establishing the Committee and is seeking 15 members to serve two-year terms. The Committee will consist of:

• two representatives of Tribal governments;
• two representatives of State governments;
• one representative of local governments;
• two representatives of the public at large;
• at least one representative of the science community, including archaeological or historical interests;
• at least two representatives of non-governmental organizations specializing in environmental, conservation, or watershed interests; recreation interests; or hunting and fishing interests;
• at least one representative of energy or mineral development;
• at least one representative of Federal grazing permit holders or other permittees; and
• at least one representative of commercial recreation activities.

Additionally, the Secretary will appoint 15 alternates to deliberate and vote on Committee matters in the absence of the primary representative.

The 30-day nomination period is open until November 18, 2024. Nominations should include a resume providing an adequate description of the nominee’s qualifications, including information that would enable the Department of the Interior to make informed decisions to meet the membership requirements of the Committee, as well as appropriate contact information.

Nominees are strongly encouraged to include supporting letters from employers, associations, professional organizations, or other organizations that indicate support by those interest groups or communities they are representing.

Completed nomination packages or questions about the Committee should be emailed to BLM_PLR_IAC@blm.gov.

For more information about the nomination process, please contact Carrie Richardson, National Advisory Committee Coordinator, Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240; phone: (202) 742-0625, email: crichardson@blm.gov.

WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for existing and upcoming member vacancies in nine Resource Advisory Councils. The Councils provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on local public land use planning and management within designated geographic areas. 

Each citizen-based Council generally consists of 10 to 15 members from diverse interests in local communities including ranchers, environmental groups, Tribes, state and local government officials, academics, and other public land users. 

Resource Advisory Councils across the West assist BLM by providing advice and recommendations on local public land use planning, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, oil and gas exploration, noxious weed management, grazing, wild horse and burro herd management, etc. 

Individuals may nominate themselves or others. The BLM will evaluate nominees based on 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 include 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 Resource Advisory Councils accepting nominations and their BLM contacts are:  

Arizona contact Dolores Garcia at dagarcia@blm.gov 

Central California contact Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov 

Northwest (Colorado) contact JD Emerson at jemerson@blm.gov 

Rocky Mountain (Colorado) contact Levi Spellman at lspellman@blm.gov 

Southwest (Colorado) contact D. Maggie Magee at dmagee@blm.gov 

Northern New Mexico contact Jamie Garcia at jagarcia@blm.gov 

Southern New Mexico contact Winifred Brown at wabrown@blm.gov 

Southeast Oregon contact Lisa McNee at lmcnee@blm.gov 

Western Oregon contact Megan Harper at m1harper@blm.gov 

For more information or to submit a nomination application, please email the designated Resource Advisory Council contact listed above. Nomination applications must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2024.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public nominations for positions that are or will soon become vacant on its California Desert District Advisory Council (DAC), Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC), and the Northern California District Resource Advisory Council. A notice was also published in the Federal Register.

The councils consist of citizens with diverse interests in public land management, including conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal members, and energy industry representatives. The councils provide advice to the BLM on public land issues.

“Resource advisory councils assist the BLM with recommendations for a dynamic portfolio of programs from conservation to renewable energy,” said Acting BLM California State Director Gordon Toevs. “I appreciate our council members for their dedication and willingness to come together and provide advice on the BLM’s management decisions.”

The BLM, which manages more land than any other federal agency, has advisory councils located across the West. The diverse membership of each 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.

The councils are critical in assisting the BLM in continuing to be a good neighbor in communities served by the bureau, providing advice and recommendations on issues including land use planning, fire management, off-highway vehicle use, recreation, oil and gas exploration, noxious weed management, grazing issues, and wild horse and burro management issues.

The descriptions for RAC positions are as follows:

• Category One – Holders of Federal grazing permits or leases within the area for which the RAC is organized; represent interests associated with transportation or rights-of-way; represent developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; represent the commercial timber industry; or represent energy and mineral development.
• Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical interests, dispersed recreational activities, and nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups.
• Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land, or water; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural resource management or the natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Completed and signed applications, letters of reference, and any other information that addresses the nominee’s qualifications must be submitted by August 16. Candidates can download a copy of the nomination application online.

For more information about serving on a resource advisory council, please contact the applicable district representative shown below:

California Desert DAC:

Kate Miyamoto, Public Affairs Officer, BLM California Desert District Office, 1201 Bird Center Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262; phone: 760-883-8528; or email: kmiyamoto@blm.gov.

Central California RAC

Philip Oviatt, Acting Public Affairs Officer, BLM Bakersfield Field Office, 35126 McMurtrey Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93308; phone: 661-432-4252; or email: poviatt@blm.gov.

Northern California RAC

Jeff Fontana, Public Affairs Officer, BLM Northern California District Office, 6640 Lockheed Dr., Redding, CA 96002; phone: 530-252-5332; or email: jfontana@blm.gov.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees must be residents of California and will be judged based on 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 nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications.

More information about the RACs is available online.