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Resource Advisory Committees
The Lolo National Forest has three Resource Advisory Committees (RAC), established as part of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, to review and recommend projects to be implemented on the Lolo National Forest or to benefit the national forest.
Funds for the projects come from Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Self Determination Act, which established a way for counties with eligible lands to benefit from revenue-generating activities on the national forest, such as timber harvests and recreation. Counties may elect to expend a portion of their federal Title II funds to improve or benefit national forest lands and provide local employment opportunities.
The three RACs serving the Lolo are:
Mineral County RAC | Missoula County RAC | Sanders County RAC
The Tri County RAC covers Powell, Granite, and Deer Lodge counties and includes lands on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Lolo, Helena, and Flathead National Forests.
Visit the individual RAC pages to learn more about projects, committee member needs and upcoming meetings.
RAC Information
A SRS RAC provides recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects on federal lands reauthorized under the Secure Rural Schools Act and Community Self-Determination Act in Public Law 115-141. Each RAC consists of 15 people representing varied interests and areas of expertise, who work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest personnel.
What are the duties of the Resource Advisory Committee?
- Review and make recommendations on proposed conservation projects and recreation fee proposals.
- Each member serves a four-year term.
- Participate in meetings an average of 1-3 times per year.
What types of Projects does the RAC fund?
SRS funds may be used for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, restore and improve land health, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality. RACs also review and make recommendations on recreation fee proposals submitted by the local National Forests.
How can I become involved?
The Lolo RACs are seeking new members. Volunteer RAC committee members serve an important role in recommending how funds received by counties under the Secure Rural Schools Act will be spent on projects that are on or will benefit nearby National Forest lands.
If you are interested learning more about RACs, please contact:
- Heather Berman, Mineral and Sanders RAC Coordinator, 406-210-5287 or heather.berman@usda.gov.
- Rachel Santospirito, Missoula RAC Coordinator, rachel.santospirito@usda.gov.