03/27/07 RAC nomination deadline

The Bureau of Land Management is looking for 21 men and women to fill vacancies on four RAC's or Resource Advisory Councils. Shelley Davis-Brunner says the RAC's offer significant advice and recommendations to BLM managers who oversee 11.8 million acres of public land in Idaho. DAVIS BRUNNER "These councils are created by the Secretary of Interior and we are looking for people that have skills in different areas. For the councils we have three different categories." There's a category for federal grazing permit holders, energy, mineral and timber representatives. Another is comprised of environmentalists, archaeological and recreation users while the third category is made up to elected officials, Indian tribal representatives and the public-at-large. There are four districts in the state, each with a Resource Advisory Council. DAVIS BRUNNER "We try to keep it to three to four meetings a year so it will be manageable. So we're trying to make efficient use of everyone's time." The deadline to nominate someone is April 2nd. The BLM district and field offices have application forms. The terms are for three years beginning October first. BLM will consult with Governor Butch Otter before sending the nominations to the Secretary of the Interior. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott