Recreation Resource Advisory Committees -
Questions and Answers
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RAC Questions and Answers
What does a Recreation RAC Do?
The Recreation RAC provides recommendations on recreation fee
proposals on federal lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau
of Land Management.
What kinds of fees do Recreation RACs consider?
- The Recreation RACs do provide recommendations on implementing
or eliminating standard amenity fees, expanded amenity fees, and
non-commercial individual special recreation permit fees; expanding
or limiting the recreation fee program; and fee level changes (increases
or decreases).
- Recreation RACs do not make recommendations on recreation
fee sites operated by a concessionaire or contractor, commercial
permits such as outfitting and guiding, or Forest Service special
use permits or BLM special recreation permits issued for group
events such as bike races.
Who serves on a Recreation RAC?
A total of 11 members will serve on each Recreation RAC:
- Category One: Five people who represent recreation users
and include as appropriate: winter motorized, winter non-motorized,
summer motorized, summer non-motorized, and hunting and fishing.
- Category Two: Three people who represent interest groups
that include, as appropriate: motorized outfitters and guides,
non-motorized outfitter and guides, local environmental groups.
- Category Three: Three people, one in each position: State
tourism official, a person who represents affected local government
interests, a person who represents affected Indian tribes’ issues.
What are the responsibilities of individual committee members?
1. Represent interests of groups by generating information necessary
from interest groups, and sharing discussions as appropriate.
2. Understand and agree to meeting commitments:
a. A quorum, 8 members, must exist for the Recreation RAC to
hold an official meeting.
b. A majority of members from each of three member groups (at
least 7 members) must be present to make recommendations.
c. A majority of total members (at least 6 members) must be present
to make decisions such as nominating a chairperson.
3. Work in a team setting and be open to discussing and understanding
differing viewpoints.
Are Recreation RAC meetings open to the public?
Yes. Recreation RACs are chartered committees and therefore will
include a public comment period. However non-committee members
will not be able to participate directly in committee discussions
or exercises unless invited.
How will the public know about Recreation RAC meetings?
All meetings of must be published
in the Federal Register 15 days before the meeting as well as
announced through local media. These announcements include a
tentative agenda for the meeting and public comment time, so
people can determine whether or not they would like to attend.
In addition, links to all meeting announcements, agendas and
notes will be available at each RAC web site which can be found
at www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/rrac-org-links.shtml.
Are
Recreation RAC members paid?
Recreation RAC members do not
receive compensation; however, they are reimbursed for
transportation, lodging and meal expenses.
How long do members serve?
The first members will serve either two or three year terms.
After the first term, all members will serve three years,
with renewals or new recruitments coming up on a rotational
basis. With this ‘rolling’ schedule
of service, the Recreation RAC will not lose all experienced
members at one time.
Can I be reappointed to the Recreation
RAC or am I limited to one term?
The Secretary of Agriculture may choose to appoint Recreation
RAC members to additional terms.
How long
will the Recreation RACs last?
Recreation RACs are currently
expected to be in place as long as the REA exists, which
is until December 2014. If the REA is re-authorized,
Recreation RACs may exist for a longer period of time.
What is the Recreation RAC Charter?
The charter (108 KB PDF) is the document that officially
identifies the membership, duties, costs, meeting
requirements and any special instructions for the
Recreation RACs. This document will be renewed every
two years.
Can members give input on items other than recreation
fees?
Recreation RAC members
are members of the public and can give comments and
opinions, on an individual basis, on any aspect of
Forest Service or BLM management. However, in terms
of the formal recommendation process as described
in the REA, Recreation RACs are limited to the roles
and duties outlined in their charter.
What are alternates?
Alternates will also be chosen from those who apply
for Recreation RAC positions. Alternates will be asked
to serve on the Recreation RAC if a position becomes
vacant. They do not serve if a member must be absent
from a meeting.
Who can nominate?
You may nominate yourself, someone from your organization
or anyone else who you believe would serve the needs
of the Recreation RAC.
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