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.
 

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First Amendment

Lawyer arrested at state bar meeting for carrying petitions reaches settlement

By Debra Cassens Weiss

January 22, 2025, 2:58 pm CST

An Arkansas lawyer who was arrested for carrying ballot petitions at a state bar meeting in June 2024 has reached an out-of-court settlement that calls for payment of $200,000 to her lawyers.

Lawyer Jennifer Standerfer of Bentonville, Arkansas, settled with the Arkansas Bar Association; the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas; its police department and a city commission that owns the convention center where Standerfer was arrested for solicitation, the Arkansas Times reports. The settlement followed a mediation.

A joint statement by the parties said they “regret the fact of Ms. Standerfer’s arrest,” and they acknowledge that the lawyer had a constitutional right to carry the petitions.

Standerfer had argued that the First Amendment protected her. She had carried the petitions into the Hot Springs Convention Center, at first in a small wagon with a sign and on a second day by clipboards. She didn’t seek signatures but made the petitions available to anyone who wanted to sign them, she told KARK.com and the Arkansas Advocate after the meeting.

One proposed ballot measure would broaden the reach of the state’s Freedom of Information Act and stiffen penalties for violations, according to the Arkansas Advocate. The other would amend the Arkansas Constitution to create a government obligation to share information.

Standerfer was a committee member of the group sponsoring the petition drive, Arkansas Citizens for Transparency. After Standerfer’s arrest, the group obtained materials about the arrest through the state’s Freedom of Information Act, KARK.com reported.

Video obtained by the group showed officers telling Standerfer that she was being asked to leave. When she refused, officers handcuffed the lawyer and removed her from the event. She was not formally charged.

A state bar representative had texted the convention center asking staff members to ask Standerfer to leave because of the petitions, documents indicated. The bar had said after Standerfer’s arrest, no one authorized to speak for the association had sought Standerfer’s removal.

Standerfer had explained why she backed greater transparency in an April 2024 opinion column for theNorthwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

“The FOIA is how we know what our government is doing,” she wrote. “It is how we hold politicians accountable, and we should do a whole lot more than question any politician who says that we should sacrifice our rights under the FOIA in the name of ‘efficiency.’”

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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.

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.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management will host an in-person public meeting of the BLM California Desert District Advisory Council from 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Monterey Bay Conference Room at South Point Hotel, 9777 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, 89183. The meeting is open to the public with a public comment period scheduled at 9:30 a.m.

The California Desert District Advisory Council meeting will include a presentation from the U.S. Forest Service on the Cleveland National Forest’s fee proposal with an opportunity for public comment on the proposal and a DAC vote, and ethics and Federal Advisory Committee Act training for DAC members. The five field offices and fire program will also report on 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 during the public comment period 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, Aug. 9, and visit public lands managed by the Needles Field Office including a future desert tortoise augmentation site, Horse Thief Campground, and Crystal Springs. 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 August 2 to kmiyamoto@blm.gov. The meeting agenda and field tour can be reviewed in advance.

Advisory councils, such as the California Desert District 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.

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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a virtual public meeting of the Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The business meeting will include a public comment period and the agenda topics can be reviewed in advance.

The BLM will discuss implementation of the Alabama Hills Management Plan and will provide an update on the Bi-State Sage Grouse. The BLM is seeking feedback on the program’s development. In addition, BLM managers and staff will give program or project presentations to the RAC members and the public.

“We are looking forward to reviewing the implementation of the Alabama Hills Management Plan and the Bi-State Sage Grouse efforts with the public and our partners,” said Central California District Manager Chris Heppe. “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 noon. 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, 5152 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762.

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 us 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.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has rescheduled its in-person public meeting of the BLM Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) for Thurs., Feb. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn, 2956 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA. The meeting is open to the public with a public comment period scheduled at 1 p.m. The revised meeting agenda can be found online at https://ow.ly/WWlR50Qzhga.

The BLM will also host a field tour at the Cotoni-Coast Dairies on Wed., Feb. 28, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals participating in the field tour will meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn, 2956 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA. 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 Feb. 23 to Philip Oviatt at poviatt@blm.gov.

The public meeting will include a virtual option via Zoom. Meeting participants must register in advance to attend at https://ow.ly/Hwwi50QywRs. Upon registering, participants will receive an email, including the meeting link and dial-in numbers.

The council will be briefed on the management of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies unit of the California Coastal National Monument in Santa Cruz County. The BLM is also seeking feedback on implementation projects, including habitat restoration and recreation facility development. The Resource Advisory Council will also receive updates from the BLM Central California District and field offices. In addition, the Council will hear fee proposals from the USDA Forest Service for sites located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the Stanislaus National Forest.

“We are looking forward to sharing updates on activities at Cotoni-Coast Dairies with the public and our partners as well as projects throughout the district and wildland fire prevention efforts,” said Central California District Manager Chris Heppe. “We also welcome the participation of the USDA Forest Service at this RAC meeting. By getting involved in these efforts, we all can help shape the future management of our public lands.”

The public will be given an opportunity to address the RAC during the meeting. Time for individual public comments may be limited due to the number of persons wishing to speak. Written statements to address the council may also be sent prior to the meeting to the BLM Central California District Office, Attention: RAC meeting comments, 5152 Hillsdale Circle, El Dorado Hills, CA  95762, or emailed in advance of the meeting to poviatt@blm.gov and will be recorded in the meeting minutes. 

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 Council is authorized to make recommendations on BLM and USDA Forest Service recreation fee proposals. 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 https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/rac/california/central-california-rac. For specific questions to include reasonable accommodations to participate, 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 is announcing the cancellation of a Northern California District Resource Advisory Council field tour, originally set for Wednesday, Jan. 31, due to forecasted inclement weather.

The business meeting remains on the calendar for Thursday, Feb. 1, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the BLM Northern California District Office, 6640 Lockheed Drive, in Redding. Anyone interested may attend in person or virtually by registering at https://ow.ly/wSEc50QtllH. The council accept public comments at 11 a.m.

Agenda items include an update on development of the Northern California Integrated Resource Management Plan, overviews of the BLM fire and law enforcement programs, and reports from the BLM California Acting State Director and field offices of the Northern California District.

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.