Photo courtesy of Bureau of Land Management

Steens Mountain Advisory Council members on a field tour at Big Indian Gorge.

Did you know the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 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 (SMAC) has two positions open for public application through November 24, 2023:
• a person with expertise and interest in wild horse management on Steens Mountain and
• a person who is a grazing permittee on federal lands in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area.

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,” BLM Burns District Manager Jeff Rose said.

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, by phone request at (541) 573-4400, or online. 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 and Harney County Court 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.