Intermountain Region Advisory Committees

The Intermountain Region cooperates with five Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) to make recommendations on creating new or changing existing recreation fees managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The Forest Service and BLM signed an interagency agreement to enable both agencies to use existing BLM Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), where appropriate. More information can be found on the National Recreation RAC web page.

Recommendations from the RACs are combined with other public notification and communication efforts to help the Forest Service make sound decisions regarding recreation fees.

What is Southwest Idaho RAC?

The Southwest Idaho Resource Committee (SWI-RAC) is an advisory committee that assists the Boise and Payette National Forests in reviewing and recommending proposed land management projects on or adjacent to the Forests. Established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2001, SWI-RAC has distributed title II funding annually for projects on or adjoining the Boise and Payette National Forests within a seven-county area. The counties included are Adams, Boise, Elmore, Gem, Valley and Washington.

UPDATE:  The SWI-RAC opened a request for project proposals for review and consideration for funding recommendation for Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024 (ending September 30, 2024) and closed the request period on Oct 28, 2022.

Two SWI-RAC meetings have been scheduled to review and select projects for funding recommendations made available to Ada, Adams, Boise, Elmore, Gem, Valley, and Washington counties through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, Public Law 110-343.  These meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Payette National Forest Supervisor’s Office, located at 500 North Mission Street, McCall, Idaho, 83638.  The public may also join virtually via telephone and/or video conference. 

• December 5, 2022 beginning at 9:00 a.m., Mountain Daylight Time
  • Virtual Meeting Link:  Click here to join the meeting, Meeting ID: 217 002 809 92; Passcode: QLj8c6 ; or via telephone at 202-650-0123, passcode 684 100 425#.
• December 16, 2022 beginning at 1:00 p.m., Mountain Daylight Time
  • Virtual Meeting Link:  Click here to join the meeting, Meeting ID: 240 622 840 521; Passcode: tfyr3r; or via telephone at 202-650-0123, passcode 622 840 521#.

If assistance is needed in joining the meetings virtually, please contact Brian Harris at 208-634-6945.

2022 Southwest Idaho RAC Project Proposals

Who is on the Southwest Idaho RAC?

The Southwest Idaho RAC, one of 5 RACs within Idaho, has 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The members represent a diverse cross section of land management and rural community interests. 

What is the RAC’s Purpose?

The committee seeks to provide projects that enhance forest ecosystem health and employment opportunities. The RAC strives to improve cooperative relationships among Forest Service managers and those who use and care about public lands.  

How does the RAC Operate?

The committee typically meets each month to consider funding projects that meet the legislative intent of economically healthy communities and healthy, sustainable public lands. The meetings are announced in the Federal Register and the Idaho Statesman, and are open to the public.

How are RAC Funds Used?

Funds may be used for projects on National Forests or adjoining private land to provide benefits to National Forest resources. The committee has funded projects such as culvert replacement to enhance fish passage, a fuel reduction project to protect a community from wildland fire, and several county weed control programs.