Committees

Butte & Plumas County Resource Advisory Committees 

The Plumas National Forest coordinates two Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) - the Butte County RAC and the Plumas County RAC.

Each RAC consists of 15 local citizens representing a broad array of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. The RAC recommends projects that are conducted on Forest Service lands or on private land when the project benefits resources on Forest Service lands.

The Forest is currently reestablishing both the Butte and Plumas County RACs and are seeking members in both Butte and Plumas counties - 15 for each RAC or 30 members total between the two.  Please see below for more information and how to apply.  The application period will remain open until all positions are successfully filled for both RACs.

As background, under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000, a portion of Forest Service funds generated through multi-use activities, such as grazing, timber production, and special use permits, are distributed to eligible counties to help maintain local roads and schools. Payments are divided into three distinct categories, or Titles: Title I for roads and schools, Title II for projects on Federal lands, and Title III for county projects. Title II funds 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. 

Under Title II of the Act, the Secretary of Agriculture may establish a Secure Rural Schools resource advisory committee for part of a national forest or for one or more national forests to ensure that each national forest on which special projects are proposed has access to a RAC.

Secure Rural Schools RACs were first established under the “Secure Rural School and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-393). Since 2000, the Secure Rural Schools legislation has been reauthorized and amended several times.  The latest was in 2025.  For more information on the history and latest reauthorization, visit the Secure Rural Schools Act page.

Generally, the committee’s role is to review and recommend projects and funding to the Forest Supervisor. Funding is provided under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. 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 committee’s duties are to:

• Review projects proposed under Title II by participating counties, tribal governments, organizations and individuals.
• Make recommendations to the Forest Supervisor acting for the Secretary of Agriculture about projects and funding in accordance with section 203 of the Act.
• Provide early and continuous coordination with appropriate land management agency officials in recommending projects consistent with purposes of this Act under Title II.
• 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.
• Monitor projects that have been approved by the Forest Supervisor; and advise the designated Federal official on the progress of the monitoring.
• Make recommendations to the Forest Supervisor for any appropriate changes or adjustments to the projects being monitored by the resource advisory committee.

Why Serve on a RAC?

This is a unique opportunity to provide advice and recommendation on management activities on National Forest System lands. RAC members are able to represent people who share their interests, learn about other community members’ interests, and help determine how funds are spent and projects are implemented on and around public land. RACs are designed to include diverse perspectives from the community and members are selected to equally represent three categories of interests, described below.

Apply to Become a Butte or Plumas County RAC Member

Thank you for your interest in the Butte and Plumas County Resource Advisory Committees. To apply, please submit a cover letter and the interest form - Background Information form - AD-755 either by email or physical mail to: 

• jamie.chambers@usda.gov
• ATTN Jamie Chambers, Plumas National Forest Supervisor's Office, 159 Lawrence St., Quincy, CA 95971

Composition of the Committee

Prospective RAC committee members must reside within California, and to the extent practicable, provide local representation. Each committee consists of 15 members with a wide range of interests. Three additional members are also appointed as replacements should a committee member leave for any reason. RAC membership must represent the following interests (five members from each category):

For more information, check out the Secure Rural Schools and RAC websites:

• www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools
• Title II - Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) Overview