Bureau of Land Management & US Forest Service Seeking Nominations for Key Positions on California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee

VALLEJO, Calif., Oct. 27, 2009—Nominations are now being accepted through December 11, 2009 for eight positions on the 11 member Pacific Southwest Region California Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC).

Candidates sought are:

• Three people who will represent, as appropriate, the following recreation interest groups: winter non-motorized recreation, such as snowshoeing, cross country, downhill skiing and snowboarding; summer motorized recreation, such as motorcycles, boaters, and off-highway vehicles; summer non-motorized recreation, such as backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing and rafting.
• Two people who represent, as appropriate, the following recreation interest groups: non-motorized outfitters and guides; local environmental groups.
• Three people who represent the following perspectives: State tourism; Indian tribes; local government.

The term for these positions will begin July 2010 when the current three year term appointments expire. Current members who have only served one term may reapply. Terms for the current appointed alternates also expire July 2010 and they may apply for a position. Alternates for these positions may be selected from the applications we receive. Alternates do not take a member's place in their absence; they are appointed to fill a vacancy should the member find it necessary to leave the RRAC.

The RRAC provides recommendations on recreation fees for federal lands within the state of California. This includes implementing or eliminating fees for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service recreation sites and services, expanding or limiting the recreation fee program, and fee level changes.

Recommendations from the RRAC do not supersede the legally established decision authority of the Forest Service or BLM; however, RRACs help federal agencies gather public opinion about recreation fees and programs. All recommendations are carefully considered.

If interested in submitting a nomination for Recreation RAC membership, obtain a nomination packet by going on-line at http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/rrac or contact Frances Enkoji at the Forest Service (707) 562-8846, e-mail: R5rrac@fs.fed.us; or Mike Ayers at BLM (916) 978-4644, e-mail: Michael_Ayers@ca.blm.gov.

Submit packet to Frances Enkoji, USDA Forest Service, 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592 or Michael Ayers, Bureau of Land Management, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, Ca 95825. Nomination packets must be received by December 11, 2009.

Additional information about recreation fees is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/about-rec-fees.shtml.