Amador County – Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Tuesday announced one new appointment and two re-appointments to the Bureau of Land Management’s Resource Advisory Council for the Central California District, which advises the BLM on public land issues.

David Christy of BLM public affairs said Mary Gorden of Lemon Cove was re-appointed to represent archaeological and historical interests. Reb Monaco of Hollister, who previously served on the Resource Advisory Council as an elected official, was re-appointed to represent dispersed recreation. Blair Knox of Sacramento was appointed to represent energy and mineral development. The appointments are for three years.

Central California Resource Advisory Council advises BLM officials for the Hollister, Mother Lode, Bakersfield and Bishop field offices. Councils are composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, and help the Bureau carry out stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands.

Christy said three other positions will come vacant in 2012. One position is to be filled by a representative of “nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.”

Two open positions to open this year are for “representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.” A call for nominations will be issued later this year.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.