On March 8, 2024, Mark Mattaini (Paguate, NM), a member of the NM BHA board, was appointed by the New Mexico Game Commission to a five-year term on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC), which advises the New Mexico Habitat Stamp program (HSP) sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF). (A Habitat Stamp is required, in addition to the proper license, to fish, hunt, or trap on US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and US Forest Service (USFS) lands and waters in New Mexico.)
In partnership with BLM and USFS programs and staff, the Habitat Stamp Program contributes to planning, developing, and coordinating conservation and rehabilitation projects on BLM and USFS) managed lands and waters that benefit fish and wildlife populations. CAC members are expected to represent the interests of the stamp holders and public land users, and are encouraged to engage in outreach activities. CAC members are volunteers who are selected to provide citizen advice and to assist in prioritizing eligible projects for HSP funding. The CAC meets in public meetings around the state at least four times a year for presentations, discussions, and evaluations of currently funded projects, projects that are in development, and project prioritization. Included are recommendations on critical landscapes, types of projects, and species of interest. Maintaining and enhancing such lands and waters are of course a central priority for BHA, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to contribute to this work. Dr. Mattaini will share regular reports with our membership.
About Katie DeLorenzo
As BHA's Western Regional Manager Katie supports Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah and other coordinators across the west. When not working, she's exploring the Southwest with her husband, toddler and black lab, cooking wild game, and shooting her bow.