Utah residents interested in the management and conservation of public lands can become involved by participating on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah Resource Advisory Council (RAC). Council members provide advice and recommendations to the BLM concerning the use and management of 22 million acres of public land in Utah.

“The RAC has been an excellent way to keep citizens engaged in the resource issues facing the public lands in Utah,” said BLM Utah State Director Selma Sierra. “BLM managers look forward to having more Utahns become involved in this collaborative process, bringing fresh ideas to the table.”

Nominations are being accepted for five positions on the RAC, BLM officials said. The Secretary of the Interior makes the final decision on the three-year appointments.

The Utah RAC consists of 15 members who serve three-year terms, on a staggered basis, with one-third of the council subject to appointment or re-appointment each year.

The BLM has one position open for a “commodity” representative, which includes holders of federal grazing permits, energy and mineral development, timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use and commercial recreation interests.

Three positions are open for “non-commodity” members, which includes nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historic interests, dispersed recreation and wild horse and burro groups.

The BLM also announced one opening for a “local area interest” representative, which includes holders of state, county or local elected office, Native American Tribes, employees of a state agency responsible for management of natural resources, academicians involved in natural sciences and the public-at-large.

Nominees will be evaluated based on their education, training, and experience with issues involving public lands in Utah. RAC members serve without monetary compensation, but are reimbursed for travel and meal expenses.

Nominations must include a minimum of two letters of reference from the interests or organizations to be represented, a completed nomination form, and any other information that speaks to the nominee’s qualifications. Nominations are due April 13, and forms are available from BLM offices and from BLM’s website at www.blm.gov/ut/st/en.html.

Nominations and letters of reference should be sent to: Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Office, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84101, Attn: Sherry Foot. For additional information, contact Foot at 801-539-4195.