Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: August 14, 2001

Contact: John Wright 202-208-6416
Mya Fuller 503-952-6437

Interior Secretary Norton Announces Members
to Steens Mountain Advisory Council

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton today announced the appointment of 12 members and one nonvoting member from the Governor's office to the citizen-based Steens Mountain Advisory Council in Oregon. The Council will provide management advice to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on the Cooperative Management and Protection Area. Norton's selections were made in conjunction with Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Harney County Court, and the Burns Paiute Tribe.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of these talented individuals to the Steens Mountain Advisory Council," Norton said. "These local civic minded citizens come from different backgrounds, represent diverse interests, and are committed to building a consensus on approaches to land management within the boundaries of the Cooperative Management and Protection Area."

The Steens Mountain Advisory Council, is part of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-399). It represents the culmination of a cooperative effort between Oregon's Congressional delegation, Governor Kitzhaber, and the Department of the Interior. The Council will work together to formulate recommendations for the BLM regarding new and unique approaches to the management of land within the boundaries of the Cooperative Management and Protection Area. The Council will also help develop cooperative programs and incentives for landscape management that meet human needs and maintain and improve the ecological and economic integrity of the area.

"These representatives bring the viewpoint of their stakeholders, but they know how important it is for neighbors to work together to solve problems, " said BLM Oregon/Washington State Director Elaine Zielinski. "We are confident that these members will provide the BLM with recommendations that balance the needs of all interested parties."

Members of the Steens Mountain Advisory Council attached.

- DOI -

Name Interest

Thomas Wendel Dispersed Recreation

Thomas Harris Mechanized or Consumptive Recreation

E. Ron Harding Wild Horse Management

Cindy Witzel Recreational Permit Holder

Harland Yriarte Private Landowner

Stacy Davies Grazing Permittee

Hoyt Wilson Grazing Permittee

Jason Miner Fish and Recreational Fishing

Jerry Sutherland Environmental Representative- State

Alice Elshoff Environmental Representative- Local

Wanda Johnson Burns Paiute Tribe

Roger Alfred No CMPA-financial interest

Steve Purchase State Government Liaison (nonvoting member)