Committees
North Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee
RAC Membership Application Forms
The North Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee is currently accepting applications for new members. Resource Advisory Committee members serve a four–year term and represent a variety of interest groups and/or organizations. To apply, fill out an application forms listed above and return to sm.fs.npclwrac@usda.gov. Applications are accepted at any time until positions are filled.
Title II Project Submission Form
Background
Congress passed legislation in 2000 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 of 2000" (Public Law 106-393) (149k pdf) establishes Resource Advisory Committees (RACs), appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and consisting of fifteen local citizens. The five Idaho Advisory Committees include the Idaho Panhandle RAC, the North Central RAC, the SW Idaho RAC, the Eastern Idaho RAC and the Central Idaho RAC. Learn more about Secure Rural Schools.
Funding for projects on National Forest will come primarily from a portion of the increased payments counties receive under Public Law 106-393. Counties receiving more than $100,000 are required to set aside between 15 to 20 percent of funds for projects on National Forest (Title II) or for county natural resource programs (Title III) specifically authorized by the Act. Counties have the discretion to adjust their allocation between Title II and Title III each year. The remaining 80-85 percent of payments are used for traditional programs as provided under Idaho law (70% toward county roads and 30% for schools).
RAC-funded projects must be located on National Forest System Lands in Clearwater, Idaho and Latah counties or on nearby lands if the project will benefit resources on the National Forests. 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; maintains roads, trails and other infrastructure; or control noxious weeds. Potential project sponsors should contact local Forest Service offices to obtain information that may be needed for a proposal and to ensure proper agreements and paperwork are completed that will enable the project sponsor to obtain funding if approved by the RAC.
The purpose of the RAC is "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 North Central Idaho 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. The Resource Advisory Committee will:
- Review projects proposed under Title II.
- Propose projects and funding for projects benefiting National Forest lands.
- Provide early and continuous coordination with appropriate land management agency officials in recommending projects consistent with purposes of the Act.
- Provide frequent opportunities for citizens, organizations, tribes, land management agencies and other interested parties to participate openly and meaningfully, from the early stages of the project development thru implementation.
North Central Idaho RAC Members
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Updated June 13, 2023
Past RAC Meeting Information
Information about past meetings of the North Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee is archived on our website.