The BLM is seeking nominations to fill openings on its three Resource Advisory Councils, which provide advice and recommendations to the agency on its use and management of 8.3 million acres of public lands in Colorado.

The councils are made up of 15 members apiece, representing three general interest groups.

Group 1 is holders of federal grazing permits and representatives of mining, timber, off-road-vehicle users, and commercial recreation.

Group 2 is representatives of national or regional environmental or resource-conservation organizations; archaeological interests; wild-horse groups; and dispersed recreation.

Group 3 is state, county, or local elected officials; employees of state resource-management agencies; representatives of Indian tribes; natural-science academicians; and members of the public at large.

The Southwest RAC, which serves southwestern Colorado, has five openings: one in Group 1, two in Group 2, and two in Group 3.

The Northwest RAC and Front Range RACs each have six openings.

Members serve without monetary compensation but are reimbursed for travel and per-diem expenses.

Members are expected to attend RAC meetings, which often occur as frequently as once a month.

The location of the meetings varies.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others.

Letters of reference from the groups the nominee wishes to represent must accompany the nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through April 20.