Hines, Ore. – 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 decisions made for public lands. 

The 13-member Steens Mountain Advisory Council has seven positions open for public application through November 15, 2024: 

• a private landowner in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area,
• a person interested in fish and recreational fishing in the CMPA,
• two persons who are recognized environmental representatives, one to represent the State as a whole, and one who is from the local area,
• a member of the Burns Paiute Tribe,
• a person who is a recreational permit holder or a representative of a commercial recreation operation in the CMPA, and
• a person who participates in what is commonly called mechanized or consumptive recreation, such as hunting or off-road driving. 

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. 

“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 Tara Thissell, BLM Public Affairs Officer. 

To nominate yourself or someone you know, submit a membership application and supporting letters of recommendation to the BLM Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon. 

Nomination forms can be picked up at this same location, by mail or phone request at (541) 573-4400, or online at: https://bit.ly/42kLM1z. The nomination form is generalized for all BLM Resource Advisory Councils and may not have titles specific to the SMAC. Please ensure the position you are applying for is identified on the nomination form (you can write-in as needed) and in letters of reference. 

For the current open positions, the BLM, Harney County Court, Governor of Oregon, and Burns Paiute Tribe 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. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. 

Appointed members must reside in the State of Oregon. The SMAC generally holds quarterly meetings virtually, and/or 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) 573-4519. 

– BLM –

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.