Citizen advisors needed for Habitat Stamp Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 22, 2016: Citizen advisors needed for Habitat Stamp Program SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is seeking individuals to serve as volunteer citizen advisors to the Habitat Stamp Program. Advisors review and provide guidance to the department about proposed projects, planning documents and program direction. Advisors are appointed by the New Mexico Game Commission to serve on one of five committees around the state. Committees are composed of seven members. Members are selected to represent sporting and nonsporting conservation and public-land grazing permittee interests. Advisors serve three-year terms. The terms of current members expire Dec. 31. Those who intend to hunt, fish or trap on lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management must purchase a $5.00 Habitat Stamp along with the appropriate license. Proceeds from stamp sales are used to fund wildlife habitat improvement projects throughout the state. Advisors meet with federal and state biologists each winter to discuss current habitat conditions, regional habitat plans and future habitat projects. They meet again in the spring to recommend projects to fund. Advisors also can attend optional field trips during the summer. The commission is scheduled to appoint 35 new citizen advisors at its meeting Nov. 17 in Grants. Those applying to serve will be evaluated upon: • Availability to attend meetings and participate in program activities. • Familiarity with the program and wildlife conservation or habitat restoration activities. • Knowledge of public lands and habitats. • Qualifications to represent a particular constituent group. To apply, please visit http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/habitat-information/habitat-stamp/. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31, 2016. For further assistance, please contact Reuben Teran, (505) 476-8130 or ReubenS.Teran@state.nm.us. For more information about the department and its programs please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us.