In the language of the Land Between the Lakes Recreation and Heritage Act, U.S. Congressman James Comer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell sought a complete revamp of the LBL’s prestigious Lakes Advisory Board.
It’s a 13-member volunteer organization that meets twice annually, in order to discuss and levy important matters concerning all things between the rivers and the counties within. It’s a five-year appointment, and one where the Federal Advisory Committee Act permits the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to conduct this board and have it comprised of local, invested citizens — those focused on environmental education, and the means of promoting public participation in land and resource management.
Officials with the USDA Forest Service, therefore, are conducting a “broad outreach,” in order to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with a diverse background list of candidates for this panel — a panel that must stimulate the region and prepare for decisions to have “significant economic impact.”
Once all interest is gauged and vetted, 13 members will be selected:
— Four of them will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture;
— Two will be residents from the State of Kentucky;
— Two will be residents from the State of Tennessee;
— Two will be appointed by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner;
— One will be appointed by the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commissioner;
— And two will be selected by appropriate officials from each of the three counties in the recreation area: Trigg, Lyon and Stewart.
Those with questions or interest in serving should contact Christine Bombard by email: christine.bombard@usda.gov. Several regional authorities have already inquired about the post.
