Photo courtesy of BLM

Steens Mountain Advisory Council members discussing a project on north Steens Mountain.

The Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC) welcomed five members to their roster in 2023. They were selected by the Secretary of the Interior and have knowledge or special expertise that qualifies them to provide advice to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on various public land issues.   

Representatives appointed in 2023 include: 

• Eric Hawley, Burns Paiute Tribe representative, reappointment: Mr. Hawley is a long-standing member of the Bums Paiute Tribe and lifelong resident of Harney County. The Steens Mountain area is the tribe’s aboriginal homeland and Mr. Hawley is intimately familiar with the landscape.

• Clipp Volpe, Dispersed Recreation representative, new member: Mr. Volpe has 30 plus years of recreation experience on Steens Mountain and has built quality relationships with people who live in, work in, and/or visit the area. He has also worked for international organizations in foreign countries, giving him decades of involvement with people of different cultural backgrounds, values, experiences, and beliefs. 

• Kali Wilson, Grazing Permittee representative, reappointment: Ms. Wilson is a member of the Hoyt F. Wilson family, who owns and manages Mann Lake Ranch on the east side of Steens Mountain. Kali is deeply familiar with ranching, the inner workings of the SMAC, and the complexities of multiple use management within the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area.

• Jake Jakubik, No Financial Interest representative, reappointment: Mr. Jakubik has a lifetime of experience working with a variety of disciplines and people, is a regular visitor to Steens Mountain, and is an annual caretaker at Riddle Brothers Ranch. He is an avid outdoorsman who appreciates public lands and understands the diverse interests of users, including those of the local community.

• Lee Foster, State Liaison, new appointment: Mr. Foster serves as the Sage-grouse Coordinator for Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in Harney County and represents that agency on the Harney County Wildlife Collaborative (along with BLM) and the Harney County Conservation Agreements with Assurances steering committee. He works regularly with multiple stakeholders including the environmental/conservation community, private landowners, and ranchers, as well as federal, state and local agencies.

“We really appreciate these folks who help us to engage local communities and stakeholders to improve our management of public lands,” said BLM Burns District Manager Jeff Rose.

The SMAC is working hard to reach more constituents and welcomes your contact. Reach out to them with any comments, questions, or concerns about management on Steens Mountain at SteensCouncil@blm.gov. The SMAC member representing your interest will be in touch.  

For a full list of SMAC members, upcoming meeting announcements, previous meeting minutes, and more, go to: https://on.doi.gov/3TvMNl8. 

For more information on the SMAC, call Tara Thissell at (541) 573-4519.