Grant County is seeking a natural resource consultant to advise the county court.

County Judge Scott Myers said he hoped the person filling the position could foster better relationships between the county and other agencies. He said the position should provide “a bridge between where we are now and where we want to be.”

The consultant would work with other land management agencies and provide recommendations to the court.

The position will be open to both individuals and firms, Myers said during a Grant County Court meeting Aug. 23.

During the meeting, the court also authorized Grant County Economic Development Coordinator Sally Bartlett to proceed with several Title III projects for which the county received $85,000. Roughly $40,000 will support, implement and assist Firewise communities and activities. Roughly $30,000 will be used to update community fire plans, and roughly $10,000 will go to search and rescue operations.

The court also:

• heard a presentation from Malheur National Forest Supervisor Steve Beverlin on a draft of the travel management map where he urged the public to provide the Forest Service with feedback regarding what forest roads they wish to remain open.

• approved a request from Grant County Regional Airport Manager Haley Walker to attend an Oregon Aviation Industries summit on Sept. 19 in Tillamook.

• approved a request from Walker to pay $4,600 to Summit Power Systems to repair the airport’s weather observation system.

• spoke with property maintenance specialist Nate Hughes about painting the L-building next year.

• approved a contract with the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association for a rodeo at the Grant County Fairgrounds Sept. 8-9.

• approved budget resolutions moving funds within department budgets.

• approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the Oregon Health Authority to extend a contract for financing the county health department into September.

• signed a contract between Oregon State University and the county to allow a county employee access to OSU services.

• authorized a request from the district attorney’s office to expend money from a Victims of Crime Act grant to purchase two iPhones, a tablet and a laptop.