Committees

Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)

Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) are established under the Secure Rural Schools program, which provides critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than 700 counties across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

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. RACs advise the USDA Forest Service on which projects should receive funding. 

RACs are committees consisting of up to 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.

Project Proposal

Since its creation, the Lassen County RAC has helped fund numerous projects in Lassen County.  Projects recommended by the RAC typically include trails reconstruction and maintenance, fish passage and waterway restoration, community wildfire fuels reduction efforts, conservation education programs, and noxious weed reduction efforts. 

2025 Funding Cycle

Funding is currently available for RAC project proposals.

Eligible applicants for RAC projects include:

• Federal agencies
• Tribal entities
• State and local governments
• Private entities
• Nonprofit entities
• Landowners

*Current or planned SAM.gov registration is required to enter into an agreement with or receive a grant from the USDA Forest Service.

Projects are considered for SRS 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; and/or
• restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.

Funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include but are not limited to:

• 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; and/or
• native species re-establishment.

At least 50% of all project funds must be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restoration of streams and watersheds. This requirement does not necessarily need to be met by each individual project and the RAC may be able to average expenditures across all selected projects.

Projects must occur on or demonstrate benefit to National Forest System lands.

Planning and implementation of projects should improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for Federal land and the agencies that manage the Federal land.