Craig — The agency responsible for managing Northwest Colorado's vast public lands is looking for nominations to fill six open positions on an advisory council.

"Citizen input enhances our agency's ability to administer and conserve these lands for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations of Americans," stated Bureau of Land Management State Director Ruth Welch in a news release.

The Bureau of Land Management's Northwest Colorado Resource Advisory Council consists of 15 citizens with diverse interests in public land management, including conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, and energy industry representatives.

They meet quarterly to provide advice on public lands issues in the BLM's Northwest Colorado District, which includes Colorado River Valley (Silt), Kremmling, Little Snake (Craig) and White River (Meeker) field offices.

"The advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Councils is a vital part of the BLM's collaborative approach to land management," Welch stated.

The diverse membership of each advisory council is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

Six positions are open for nomination this year, including:

• Two positions in Category 1 — public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use and commercial recreation.

• One position in Category 2 — representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.

• Three positions in Category 3 — 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 advisory council is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council.

Nominees will be judged based on their training, education, and knowledge of the council's geographical area. They should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making.

Additional requirements and nomination forms are available online at http://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/colorado or by calling 970-876-9008.

Nominations must be submitted by May 30 to dboyd@blm.gov or the following address: Bureau of Land Management, Attn: David Boyd, 2300 River Frontage Rd., Silt, CO 81652.