Committees
Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) were established under the Reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. The RACs recommend how to allocate a portion of federal funds counties receive under the Act. The Act directs that funds be spent on projects such as road, trail and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration, improvements in soil and forest ecosystem health, restoration and improvements of wildlife and fish habitat, control of weeds, and reestablishment of native animals and plants. Projects must benefit resources on National Forest lands and meet federal environmental laws.
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has two Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) that are chartered by the USDA: the Southwest Montana RAC and the Tri-County RAC. Members of the RAC are vetted and designated by the Secretary of the USDA and meet under Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) regulations. All meetings are open to the public.
The Southwest Montana RAC covers Madison, Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Silverbow counties and includes lands on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Custer-Gallatin National Forests. The Tri-County RAC covers Powell, Granite, and Deer Lodge counties and includes lands on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Lolo, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Flathead National Forests.
Please contact us for more information.
What is purpose of a RAC?
The committee meets to consider funding projects that meet the legislative intent of Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. The RAC strives to improve cooperative relationships among Forest Service managers and interested citizens who care about public lands. The committee works with the Forest Service to recommend projects that enhance forest ecosystem health and employment opportunities. The meetings are announced in the Federal Register, and are open to the public.
Committee membership
Each resource advisory committee shall be comprised of 15 members made up of people from the general public, with equal representation from industry, environmental groups, elected officials, and other local interests. Members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and serve a four-year term.
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 may fund projects such as culvert replacement to enhance fish passage, fuel reduction projects to protect a community from wildland fire, or weed control programs.
How to submit a project proposal
Both the Southwest Montana and Tri-County RACs have time windows when they accept project proposals that would enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land or watershed health on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest or adjacent lands. The submitted projects will be considered for funding. Project funding is made available through Title II funds under the reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law115-141). Reach out to RAC contacts for more information.