Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Local Area News Releases

Forest Advisory Committee Recommends Over $800,000 In Resource Projects

CENTRAL OREGON, October 30, 2002

Watershed restoration, noxious weed removal, culvert replacement, hazardous fuels reduction and other forest improvement projects are among over $800,000 in recommendations made recently by the Deschutes-Ochoco Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) and approved by Leslie Weldon, Deschutes Forest Supervisor and Designated Federal Official for the Committee.

The RAC is required under new county payments legislation to review proposals for funding projects located on or that benefit the Deschutes or Ochoco National Forests. The Deschutes-Ochoco RAC is comprised of 15 members from a variety of backgrounds selected to three-year terms by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Deschutes-Ochoco RAC represents all or portions of Crook, Deschutes, Grant, Jefferson, Klamath and Wheeler counties.

"Working with our county and community partners to accomplish priority natural resource projects has been a tremendous experience. I look forward to continuing to work with the RAC and counties to fund future projects," stated Leslie Weldon, Deschutes National Forest Supervisor and Designated Federal Official for the Committee.

In January of 2003 there will be a call for the next round of project proposals. The Deschutes-Ochoco RAC will host a workshop after applications are available to provide tips on filling out the application package. These applications will be available at:

• The website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/index-racom.html
• Deschutes headquarters office at 1645 Highway 20 East, Bend, OR 97701
• Ochoco headquarters at 3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754

The Secure Rural Schools and County Self-Determination Act of 2000 gives counties a payment in lieu of taxes on federal lands equal to the average of their three highest years' payments for Forest products between 1986 and 1999. The counties are required to spend between 15 and 20 percent of their payments on either Title II or Title III projects. Title II projects are Forest enhancement activities requiring approval by the Designated Federal Official after being recommended by a RAC.

Deschutes Ochoco RAC 2003 Approved Projects

Media Contacts:

• Kyrie Murphy (541) 383-5522