Committees
Secure Rural Schools and Resource Advisory Committee
A portion of Forest Service funds generated through multi-use activities, such as grazing, timber production, and special use permits, are distributed to eligible rural counties.
The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than 700 counties across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The Southern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) includes Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Cochise, and Maricopa counties, and is managed by the Coronado National Forest.
Title II - Special Projects on Federal Lands
Counties typically receive 20% or less of Secure Rural Schools funds under Title II, which are used by willing Federal agencies, State and local governments, private and nonprofit entities, and landowners for protection, restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and other natural resource objectives on Federal land and on non-Federal land where projects would benefit these resources on Federal land.
Rather than being distributed to the State, Title II funds are retained by the Forest Service and are allocated to specific projects that have been reviewed and recommended by the Southern Arizona RAC.
Southern Arizona RAC Activities
Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees operate under a national charter, last filed May 19, 2026. The charter is valid for two years, through May 19, 2028.
The role of Resource Advisory Committees includes:
- review projects proposed under Title II by participating counties and other persons;
- propose projects and funding through the Designated Federal Official (DFO);
- provide early and continuous coordination with the DFO in recommending title II projects;
- 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 developing Title II projects;
- monitor implementation of approved Title II projects and advise the DFO on the progress of the monitoring;
- make recommendations to the DFO for any appropriate changes or adjustments to the projects being monitored by the resource advisory committee.
Information about upcoming meetings can be found in the Federal Register website.
The Southern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee has 9 to 15 representatives of varied interests and areas of expertise. They work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest employees. The Southern Arizona RAC meets up to four times per year in a location and facility that is accessible to the public. Attendance may be in-person, by telephone, or other electronic means.
Members are required to live within the state(s) in which the committee has jurisdiction. To the extent practicable, the members should also represent municipalities covered by the committee. Members are appointed to four-year terms and may be reappointed for additional terms. Members serve without compensation but may be allowed travel expenses and per diem for attendance at committee meetings.
| Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees Membership Categories | ||
| Category A 3-5 persons that | Category B 3-5 persons that represent: | Category C 3-5 persons that: |
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- Complete form AD-755 Background Check form and Southern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee Checklist.
- Attach a current resume.
- Submit completed AD-755, checklist, and resume to
robyn.abeyta@usda.gov
or
Coronado National Forest
ATTN: Robyn Abeyta RAC Coordinator
300 W Congress Street 6th Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
Nominees are vetted, reviewed and appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Please note that this process can take several months.
The Resource Advisory Committee will announce a request for proposals. Projects are considered for Title II funding if they make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:
- Improvement of existing infrastructure maintenance;
- Implementation of stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems;
- Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.
- Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations.
- Projects must be consistent with the applicable resource management plan and with any watershed or subsequent plan developed pursuant to the resource management plan.
The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include:
- road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration;
- soil productivity improvement;
- forest ecosystem health improvements;
- watershed restoration and maintenance;
- wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement;
- noxious and exotic weeds control
- native species re-establishment
At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restoration of streams and watersheds.
Planning and implementing the projects should help improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for Federal land and the agencies that manage the Federal land.
Emphasis Areas for SA RAC proposals(PDF)
Project Proposal Template FS-1800-0030-SRS(PDF)
- Federal agencies
- State and local government
- Private entities
- Nonprofit entities
- Landowners
Applicants should consult with the local District Ranger prior to proposal submission. Projects must be reviewed and recommended by the local Resource Advisory Committee and approved by the Designated Federal Officer for that committee.
District Contacts
| Ranger District | Ranger | |
| Douglas | James Heitholt | james.heitholt@usda.gov |
| Mesa | Acting | robyn.abeyta@usda.gov |
| Nogales | Jorge Enriquez | jorge.enriquez@usda.gov |
| Santa Catalina | Don DelMastro | donato.delmastro@usda.gov |
| Sierra Vista | Doug Ruppel | douglas.ruppel@usda.gov |
- The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act was passed October 6, 2000.
- The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act was passed on December 18, 2025, following its lapse in 2023.
- The Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee Charter was filed on May 19, 2026. The next renewal date for SRS RACs is two years from the filing date, May 19, 2028
- Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees are formed and operate in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and USDA committee management regulations.
Questions
If you have questions about the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, need support, would like to apply to become a member, or would like additional information, please contact the Southern Arizona Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator, Robyn Abeyta, at robyn.abeyta@usdsa.gov or 520-419-9567.
RAC Completed Projects Photo Gallery
