Hines, Ore. – The Steens Mountain Advisory Council currently has several positions open for public nomination:

• a person interested in fish and recreational fishing in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management
  and Protection Area;
• a person who is a grazing permittee on Federal lands in the CMPA;
• two people who are recognized environmental representatives, one to represent the State as a whole
  and one from the local area;
• a person who participates in mechanized or consumptive recreation in the CMPA, such as hunting,
  fishing, or off-road driving;
• a recreation permit holder or representative of a commercial recreation operation in the CMPA;
• a person to serve as the State government liaison to the Council;
• a private landowner within the CMPA; and,
• a member 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 creatively and 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.

The Bureau of Land Management has Resource Advisory Councils 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 decisions made for public lands.

“Resource Advisory Councils provide the BLM with vital feedback on current issues, concerns and proposals, and enable us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands,” said BLM Burns District Manager Jeff Rose.

To nominate someone, submit a membership application 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 October 22, 2021.

Nomination forms can be picked up at this same location, by mail or 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, Burns Paiute Tribe and the Governor of Oregon will review the applications and
submit recommended nominees to the Secretary of the Interior, who has the responsibility for making the appointments. Nominees are evaluated on their training, education, experience with, and knowledge of the Steens Mountain area.

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.

--BLM--

This year, we invite everyone to reimagine your public lands as we celebrate 75 years of the BLM’s stewardship and service to the American people. The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.