Background Information on Resource Advisory Committees
What's New
and Project Submission Form
Secure Rural Schools Title II
Project Proposal Form
Due December 31, 2008 to be considered for 2008 and 2009 funds
[ Word format ] -- [ Acrobat PDF ]
Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) were established under Section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-393) signed by the President on
The committees’ duties include reviewing proposed forest management projects in accordance with the Act and make recommendations to the Forest Service, coordinating with land management agency officials, and providing opportunities for interested parties to participate in the project development process. Committee members are committed to working collaboratively with other interests for the long-term benefit of national forest system lands.
Public Law 106-393 created a mechanism for local community collaboration with federal land managers in recommending projects to be conducted on federal lands or that will benefit resources on federal lands. The geographic boundaries of the RACs in Oregon and Washington are generally aligned with National Forest boundaries, and each RAC is assigned a Designated Federal Official (DFO) to serve as the point of contact.
Council members serve a three-year term without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. Meetings are generally held quarterly at locations within the geographic area the RAC serves. Members must reside within the State in which the RAC is located, and to the extent practicable, within the RAC boundary. Prospective members are advised that membership on a RAC calls for a substantial commitment of time and energy.
These committees are balanced and diverse with equal representation from industry, environmental groups, elected officials, and local people. Specifically, the composition of each RAC is balanced according to the following three interest categories identified in Public Law 106-393:
Category One: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests:
- Organized labor
- Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation
- Energy and mineral development
- Commercial timber industry
- Federal grazing permit holders or land use permit holders within the RAC area
Category Two: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests):
- Nationally recognized environmental organizations
- Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations
- Dispersed recreation activities
- Archaeological and historical interests
- Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse or burro groups
Category Three: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests):
- State-elected office holders or their designee
- County or local elected office holders
- American Indian tribal representatives from tribes within or adjacent to RAC areas
- School officials or teachers
- Citizens representing the affected public at large
Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, are followed in all membership appointments to the committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
Secure Rural Schools Title II
Project Proposal Form
Due December 31, 2008 to be considered for 2008 and 2009 funds
[ Word format ] -- [ Acrobat PDF ]
