Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee
Who should serve on a RAC?
Any individual who cares about roads, recreation, natural resource restoration, and job creation on or in communities around the Gifford Pinchot National Forest would be a great RAC member. Expertise in these areas is not required. A commitment to attend RAC meetings and be an engaged participant in the project review process is essential. Anyone may apply to serve on the RAC and individuals representing minority, disability, veteran, urban, or low income communities are encouraged to apply.
Why serve on a RAC?
RAC members can have a direct impact on where and how hundreds of thousands of federal dollars are spent. These dollars improve local infrastructure, create local jobs, enhance tourism opportunities, and restore ecosystems both in their communities and on and off federal land. The time commitment is minimal, typically with only one to two one-day meetings per year, in which travel expenses may be reimbursed.
Interest Groups
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest RAC has 9-15 members representing various interests and areas of expertise. Interest groups are established by the national Charter and are divided into three categories- A, B, and C. Each category has 3-5 members. To hold a RAC meeting, at least 3 members from each category need to be present.
Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees Membership Categories
Category A 3-5 persons that: | Category B 3-5 persons that represent: | Category C 3-5 persons that: |
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Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees operate under a national Charter, last filed December 18, 2023. The charter is valid for two years.
Current Gifford Pinchot National Forest RAC Members
Name | Point of Interest | Affiliation/Category | County |
Hannah Brause | School Official or teacher | Washington State University Extension | |
| Chase Buffington | Federal Grazing permitor other land use permit holder | Cispus Learning Center Director | |
| Jerry Franklin | Nationally recognized environmental organizations | University of WA School of Forestry | |
| Bob Hamlin | county or local-elected office | Skamania County Commissioner | |
| Elaine Harvey | american indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized. | Yakama Nation Fisheries | |
| James Horan | Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities | Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office | |
| Pete Krabbe | Organized Labor or Non-Timber Forest Product Harvester Groups | Pinchot Partners Collaborative | |
| Anjolene Price | commercial timber industry | Hampton Lumber Collaborative Forestry Manager | |
| Susan Saul | dispersed recreational activities | ||
| Cindy Soliz | nationally-or regionally-recognized wildlife or hunting organization, or watershed organization | Cape Horn Conservancy | |
| Jeremy Taitano | regionally or locally recognized environmental orgnization | Northwest Youth Corps | |
| Tammara Tippel | affected public-at-large | Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce | |
| Nancy Toeyan | commercial timber industry | WA State Dept. of Ecology | |
| Jamie Tolfree | archaeological and historical intersts | Collaborative Groups |
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the Secure Schools/Title II Program Coordinator, Diane Bedell, at (360) 869-8211 or diane.bedell@usda.gov.
Steps:
1. Complete a background check form AD-755
2. Submit your completed AD-755 along with a current resume to: Diane Bedell, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 987 McClellan Road, Vancouver, WA 98661.
Due to the Personal Identifiable Information (PII) on background check form, the most secure and preferred method for sending is through the mail. Applications sent to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest via email will not be accepted unless they are password protected or encrypted emails.
In order to be considered for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Resource Advisory Committe applicants must be a resident of the State of Washington.
Nominees are vetted, reviewed and appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Please note that this process can take several months.