Committees
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000
Kern and Tulare Counties Resource Advisory Committee
The Kern and Tulare Counties Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) was established to provide advice and recommendations to the Sequoia National Forest on the development and implementation of special projects.
These projects can improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water quality.
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 established and funded the RAC program. The RAC consists of 15 people representing varied interests and areas of expertise, who work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest personnel.
In addition, the RAC may provide recommendations on changes to recreation fee sites.
Serve as a Secure Rural Schools Act resource advisory committee member
Application (AD-755) to serve on the committee is available. The applications may be mailed to 11380 Kernville Road Kernville CA 93238. Additional information on the Secure Rural Schools program is available by contacting the Designated Federal Official, John Gomez - Deputy District Ranger at 760-376-3781, extension 630 or john.gomez@usda.gov
Title II: Apply for funding for special projects on federal lands
Since 2010, the RAC has provided $678,661 in federal funds to nonprofit groups, conservation districts, tribes and other agencies for projects in Kern and Tulare Counties. Funds have supported projects such as fuels reduction on private land adjoining the forest, volunteer trail maintenance, and cleanup of the Tule and Kern Wild and Scenic Rivers.
The SRS Act was recently reauthorized when Congress passed 2018 spending bill P.L. 115-141 that included additional funding for the Secure Rural Schools program. The amount of 2018 funding available for new projects is currently $46,119, in addition to other funds which may remain from past years.
Planning and implementing the projects should help improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for Federal land and the agencies that manage the Federal land.