Resource Advisory Committees

Resource Advisory Committees

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000 provides for federal funds to flow to counties that traditionally have been supported by timber payments. The Act, insofar as it applies to the BLM, affects only the 18 Oregon and California Grant Land (O&C) counties in Oregon covered by the five western BLM Districts. It establishes a six-year payment schedule to local counties (i.e., determined by legislative formula), in lieu of funds derived from the harvest of timber on federal lands, which have dropped dramatically over the past 10 years.

The Act creates a mechanism whereby Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) are utilized for local community collaboration with the BLM and the Forest Service to support projects on federal lands or private lands that benefit resources on federal lands. Project proposals are developed by Federal agencies, participating counties, State and local governments, watershed councils, private and non-profit entities, and landowners. The purposes of the RACs are to improve collaborative relationships and provide advice and recommendations to the Designated Federal Officials, on proposed projects, by evaluating them against established criteria. The RACs also provide opportunities for interested parties to participate in the project development process.

The Committee members review project proposals and make recommendations on spending the county-designated funds to the Secretary of the Interior (or Agriculture for Forest Service Committees). Committee members represent a variety of interests and are committed to working collaboratively for the long term benefit of public lands and local communities.

The five BLM Resource Advisory Committees created in Oregon are Coos Bay, Eugene, Medford, Roseburg, and Salem.

General Information