Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Forest Improvement Projects Sought
Release Date: May 26, 2015
Forest improvement project proposals must be submitted to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest headquarters by June 22 if they are to compete for funding provided through the recently reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Congress has allocated monies to be used for projects through 2017.
Applications are being accepted for projects designed to improve National Forest lands and the rural economies of local counties within the boundaries of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
By law, projects funded under title II of the Act must be on national forests or benefit the resources on national forests. The projects are to enhance forest ecosystems, restore and improve land health and water quality or improve the maintenance of existing facilities within the forests. In past years, proposals have come from a variety of proponents including local ranger districts, volunteer organizations and state, county, and local government. For information about the reauthorized Act, go to www.fs.fed.us/srs.
A citizen resource advisory committee reviews the project proposals and makes funding recommendations to Forest Supervisor Mike Williams. Final approval for funding will be based on a formal grant or agreement application. Since the inception of this program, over 6 million dollars has been allocated to projects in Okanogan, Chelan, Kittitas and Yakima Counties.
Projects selected over the past fourteen years have varied widely from trailhead relocation, noxious weed control projects, road stabilization, trail maintenance and construction of trail bridges, roadside brush cutting, relocation of campsites out of sensitive streamside areas, fire risk reduction, forest road resurfacing, enhancing wildlife habitat, rehabilitation of wetlands, toilet replacements and portable toilet rentals, litter and abandoned vehicle removal, herbicide treatments, culvert replacement to facilitate fish passage, and youth-oriented outdoor recreation project work.
Project submission forms and information on the process are available on the Forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/rac and can also be obtained at the Forest Headquarters office at 215 Melody Lane in Wenatchee.
Please contact Public Affairs Specialist Robin DeMario if you are uncertain whether a potential project would fit the parameters of the Act. Send completed project submission forms to DeMario at rdemario@fs.fed.us; hardcopy submissions can be sent to DeMario at Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801. DeMario can also be reached by phone at 509-664-9292.