Northeast Oregon Forests Seeking Members for Resource Advisory Committee

Release Date: Mar 23, 2017

Contact(s): Joani Bosworth

John Day, Pendleton and Baker City, Oregon – The Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee is seeking nominees for new members to serve on a vital Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The committee is tasked with recommending projects to improve forest health, watersheds, roads and facilities around Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests.

The projects that are funded through the RAC have a huge impact on the communities of Northeast Oregon, and are extremely varied in focus and scope ranging from fish passage restoration to constructing new trails. Beyond getting important work done, projects have also utilized youth crews which provide young people with unique opportunities to develop a love of the outdoors while gaining valuable hands-on work experience.

RAC committee members are officially appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture for a term of 2 years, and although they cannot be compensated for their work, members can get reimbursed for travel expenses to, during and from meetings. In order to ensure that the group is able to accomplish its goals, members are expected to be able to commit to up to two full-day meetings each year. Local residents of Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties are particularly encouraged to submit applications although others may apply.

RACs have been found to work best when many interests and industries are represented by their members. Recreation groups, environmental groups, industry leaders and employees, elected officials and local residents are all needed to provide a balanced and diverse group.
The three categories of committee members needed are: A) Industry professionals with experience in forest products, recreation, mining, grazing, or timber, B) environmental groups and individuals connected to groups interested in wild horses, archeology, and dispersed recreation, and C) elected officials, American Indian tribal representatives, school officials or teachers.

Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2017. If you are interested in serving on the Northeast Oregon Forests RAC, or would like more information about the responsibilities of the RAC, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/malheur/workingtogether/advisorycommittees or contact a following representative near you:

• Jeff Tomac, Northeast Oregon Forests Designated Federal Official (541) 523-1301 or by email at: jtomac@fs.fed.us
• Arlene Blumton, Wallowa-Whitman NF RAC Coordinator (541) 962-8522 or by email at: ablumton@fs.fed.us
• Susan Garner, Malheur NF RAC Coordinator (541) 575-3039 or by email at: scgarner@fs.fed.us
• Ian Reid, Umatilla NF RAC Coordinator (541) 427-5316 or by email at: ireid@fs.fed.us

-USFS-