BLM Encourages Utahns to Help Shape the Future of Public Lands in Their State

SALT LAKE CITY – The Bureau of Land Management is reminding community‑minded individuals, public lands enthusiasts, recreation users, and local leaders to apply for open positions on the Utah Resource Advisory Council and the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Advisory Council. These advisory groups play a vital role in shaping land management decisions that keep Utah’s public lands healthy, accessible, and sustainable for generations to come.

The BLM issued a national call for nominations to fill vacancies across 20 statewide and regional Resource Advisory Councils and two statutory councils on September 10, 2026. The nomination period remains open through October 26, 2026. Anyone may nominate themselves or others.

The Utah Resource Advisory Council is a 15-member advisory panel which provides advice and recommendations to the BLM on management of 22.8 million acres of National System of Public Lands in Utah. The BLM is seeking to fill positions in each of three categories of interest outlined in the September 10, 2026 Federal Register notice: 

• Category One: Holders of Federal grazing permits or leases within the area for which the Resource Advisory Council is organized; represent interests associated with transportation or rights-of-way; represent developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; represent the commercial timber industry; or represent energy and mineral development. 
• Category Two: Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests; or nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups. 
• Category Three: Hold State, county, or local elected office; are employed by a State agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land, or water; represent Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the Resource Advisory Council is organized; are employed as academicians in natural resource management or the natural sciences; or represent the affected public-at-large.

The San Rafael Swell Recreation Area Advisory Council advises the BLM on the management of the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. The BLM is seeking members for positions that represent the Emery County Commission; motorized recreational users; non-motorized recreational users; a grazing allotment permittee within the Recreation Area or, wilderness areas designated; conservation organizations; a member with expertise in the historical uses of the Recreation Area; and an elected leader of a federally recognized Tribe that has significant cultural or, historic connections to, and expertise in, the landscape, archeological sites, or cultural sites within Emery County.

Resource Advisory Councils are required by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and operate under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to ensure balanced representation. Resource Advisory Council members meet virtually at least once per year, providing advice on initiatives, regulations, and policies that impact millions of acres of public lands.  

For more information and to apply visit our Resource Advisory Council page.