Advisory Committees

Southern New Mexico Resource Advisory Committee

Congress passed legislation to restore stability and predictability to the annual payments made to states and counties containing National Forest lands. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act establishes Resource Advisory Committees (RAC’s), appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and consisting of fifteen local citizens.

The primary location for projects is intended to be on federal lands on the Gila and Lincoln National Forests, (all districts) and on the Magdalena Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest.  However, projects can be on non-federal lands within Catron, Grant, Lincoln, Otero, Sierra, or Socorro counties where projects would benefit resources on or people using the National Forest. Title II project funds are awarded on a competitive basis to federal agencies, state and local governments, and private and non-profit entities for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure such as roads, trails, recreation facilities or projects that improve forest health and restore and improve land health and water quality.  Each project proposal will be evaluated on cost-effectiveness, extent of partner involvement, and benefits to ecosystem health.  At least 50% of funds shall be used for watershed restoration or enhancement, or for projects that maintain, decommission, or obliterate roads and trails, per the legislation. Projects can be completed by Forest Service personnel, through partnership agreements or by open-bid contracting with individuals and corporations.  The RAC works closely with the Forest Service to recommend projects that will benefit forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources; maintain roads, trails and other infrastructure; or control noxious weeds.

Generally, the committee’s role is to review and recommend projects and funding to the Forest Supervisor. The Forest Supervisor is responsible for considering the committee’s recommendations in the context of the forest land management plan and the laws and regulations that govern Forest Service activities and to approve the project if appropriate.

The RAC helps “to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the land management agencies consistent with the purposes of the Act." Members of the Southern New Mexico RAC represent a variety of interests ranging from organized labor, mining, grazing and timber interests, nationally and locally recognized environmental organizations, elected officials and tribal representatives.

 Southern New Mexico RAC Membership - If you are interested in becoming a member of the Southern NM RAC, please fill out the AD-755/Advisory Committee Background Information and return via USPS mail to the Gila National Forest, Attn: Julia Faith Rivera at 3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061.

For further information about the RAC, please contact:

Julia Faith Rivera, RAC Coordinator at the Gila National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Silver City, New Mexico at (575) 388-8212, julia.rivera@usda.gov