Washingston State Charter; Resource Advisory Committees

Resource Advisory Committees, Washington State Charter
 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250

SUBJECT: Resource Advisory Committees for Washington State

DATE: April 9, 2001

OPI: Forest Service

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

a. Committees (RACs) for Washington State. The purpose of the RACs is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service consistent with the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, which governs the RACs. This regulation establishes twelve (12) Resource Advisory Committees and the charter.

b. The RACs for Washington State include: North and South Gifford Pinchot, North and South Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Snohomish County, Olympic Peninsula, Grays Harbor, Wenatchee/Okanogan, Colville, Columbia County, and SE Washington Forest. (Distribution of RACS is shown on the enclosed map.)

2. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

a. This regulation will expire 2 years from the date of filing unless renewed by proper authority and appropriate action.

b. The functions of the RACs cannot be completed in less than 2 years. In accordance with Department regulations, unless renewed, the committee will terminate 2 years from the date of filing the charter.

c. Projects recommended to the Secretary of Agriculture must be approved by a majority of the members of each of the three membership categories.

3. OFFICERS AND MEMBERSHIP

a. Each RAC shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Committee members shall be representative of the interests of the following three categories:

(1) Five persons who—

(a) Represent organized labor;

(b) Represent developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities;

(c) Represent energy and mineral development interests;

(d) Represent the commercial timber industry; or

(e) Hold Federal grazing permits or other land use permit within the area for which the committee is organized.

(2) Five persons representing—

(a) Nationally recognized environmental organizations;

(b) Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations;

(c) Dispersed recreational activities;

(d) Archaeological and historical interests; or

(e) Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups.

(3) Five persons who—

(a) Hold State elected office or their designee;

(b) Hold county or local elected office;

(c) Represent American Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized;

(d) Are school officials or teachers; or

(e) Represent the affected public-at-large.

b. RAC members shall serve 3-year terms.

c. The Chairperson of each RAC shall be elected by the RAC from among its members for a term of 1 year.

d. The Secretary of Agriculture shall appoint a designated Federal officer (DFO) under sections 10(e) and (f) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., for each RAC.

e. Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, shall be 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.

f. If a RAC member fails to attend (in person or by telephonic or electronic means) two consecutive official meetings, the Secretary may remove that member from the RAC.

g. A vacancy on a RAC shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which his/her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. A replacement shall fill the vacancy as soon as practicable after the vacancy occurs.

h. The Secretary shall appoint one replacement for each membership category. Should a vacancy occur, the replacement shall be available to fill the vacancy immediately.

i. Membership shall be a balanced and broad representation from within each of the three membership groups.

j. Members shall reside within the state or states in which the RAC has jurisdiction. To the extent practicable, each of the three categories shall be composed of local representatives.

4. DUTIES

a. Each RAC shall review projects proposed under Title II of the Act by participating counties and other persons.

b. Each RAC shall propose projects and funding to the Secretary of Agriculture under section 203 of the Act.

c. Each RAC shall provide early and continuous coordination with appropriate Forest Service officials in recommending projects consistent with Title II of the Act.

d. Each RAC shall provide frequent opportunities for citizens, organizations, tribes, land management agencies, and other interested parties to participate openly and meaningfully, beginning at the early stages of the project development process under Title II of the Act.

e. In her discretion, the Secretary will not consider a Title II project funded by a county’s reservation for Title II projects when the majority of the governing body of that county objects to the use of the funds.

f. Consistent with applicable laws and Department regulations, each RAC may adopt such by-laws or rules of operation as it deems advisable.

5. ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS

a. Members of the Committee serve without compensation. Reimbursement for travel and per diem for attendance at RAC meetings called by the Chairperson and with an agenda approved by the DFO will be determined on a forest-by-forest basis with a view to budgetary constraints and the need to achieve adequate representation of necessary groups.

b. Annual operating cost estimates are to be determined at a later date

6 NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS

a. The RACs will meet as often as is necessary to complete their business.

b. A majority of the members of the RAC must be present to constitute an official meeting of the committee.

c. The approval of majority of the members of each of the three membership categories of the RAC shall be required to approve a project for recommendation to the Secretary.

7. REPORTS/SUPPORT

a. The RACs report to the Secretary of Agriculture through the appropriate forest supervisor.

b. Support for the RACs shall be provided by the Forest Service.

8. INTERPRETATION

For guidance as to its duties, the RAC should consult the Act (copy attached). In the event the RAC is uncertain with regard to its duties or procedures, it should consult the appropriate forest supervisor. The Secretary shall resolve ambiguities using first, the law, and then any relevant legislative history.

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